Trump Says 21 Hostages Alive in Gaza, Israeli Officials Claim 24, Amid Family Concerns

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Updated May 9, 2025, 02:23 AM

U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the number of hostages believed to be alive in Gaza has decreased to 21, down from 24 a week ago, due to the deaths of three hostages. This statement has caused alarm among the families of the hostages, who are demanding more information from the Israeli government. Israeli officials, including Gal Hirsch, the coordinator for the captives and the missing, have maintained that 24 hostages are still alive, contradicting Trump's figures. This discrepancy has led to confusion and concern among the families, who are pressing for clarity and immediate updates on the status of their loved ones. Hamas is currently holding 59 hostages in total, with 35 confirmed dead. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the war in Gaza until all hostages are returned, emphasizing the urgency of this national mission. The forum's demand comes amid ongoing military operations and stalled negotiations for a hostage release and ceasefire deal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Israel is preparing to expand its military operations in Gaza, which could include the reoccupation of the enclave. This plan has raised concerns among hostage families, who fear that increased military action could endanger the remaining captives. Netanyahu has confirmed that 21 hostages are definitely alive, with the status of three others unclear. The conflict, which began after Hamas's attack on Oct. 7, 2023, has resulted in over 52,000 deaths in Gaza.

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Sources

europapress.es(2)reuters.com(2)jp.reuters.com(2)washingtonexaminer.com

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