Setting the Record Straight: Israel Clarifies on Hostage Survivors, Contradicts Trump's Statement
Trump's statements concerning hostages are disputed by Israel.
Dive Insight: Despite US President Donald Trump's statement suggesting that only 21 hostages are still alive in Gaza, the Israeli coordinator for hostage affairs, Gal Hirsch, has clarified that the number remains at 24 surviving hostages[3][4].
In a recent development, Israel has corrected the figures given by President Trump regarding the hostages held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to the latest updates, 35 hostages have perished since their abduction, leaving 59 hostages in total. This information was shared by Hirsch via online platform X[1]. He also emphasized that families of the abducted are consistently kept abreast of updates related to their relatives.
Trump had indicated that three more hostages had passed away[2]. These revelations were made during an event at the White House. Previously, at a meeting with former Israeli hostages, Trump mentioned that 24 of the individuals being held by Islamic Palestinian groups were still alive. He subsequently revised this figure to 21, implying that three more had succumbed to their circumstances.
Trump furthered by stating, "21, plus a lot of corpses," expressing concern and urging for more hostages to be rescued. The Israeli army's most recent report, published on October 7, 2023, revealed that 58 hostages were still being held in the Gaza Strip, with 34 fatalities presumed[1].
At a glance:- Remaining Hostages Alive: 24- Total Hostages: 59- Deceased Hostages: 35
As US President Trump prepares to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13 to 16, anticipation surrounds a "very, very big announcement" he promised to unveil prior to his trip. However, details regarding this announcement remain unclear[2].
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack against Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostage situations. Israel has since been actively engaged in comprehensive military operations within the Gaza Strip. According to figures provided by the Hamas-controlled health ministry, over 52,500 people have lost their lives[1]. The military operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip is expected to expand, and the Israeli security cabinet recently approved a plan believed to facilitate the "occupation" of Palestinian territory and the "holding" of occupied territories[5].
Reference:1. ntv.de2. raf/AFP3. Enrichment Data4. Enrichment Data5. Enrichment Data
Tags:- Middle East conflict- Israel- Donald Trump- USA- Hostage-taking- Gaza- Hamas- October 7, 2023
- The EU is also supporting the EU's efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in the context of the ongoing war-and-conflicts, such as the one in Gaza where 59 hostages, 24 of whom are still alive, are being held by Hamas.
- Despite President Trump's statement about the number of hostages in Gaza, the Israeli coordinator for hostage affairs has clarified that there are still 24 hostages alive, while 35 have tragically perished since their abduction.
- Today, Hamas launched a large-scale attack against Israel, resulting in 1,200 fatalities, 251 hostage situations, and general news updates being shared through various platforms like Whatsapp.
- In the midst of the ongoing political events and military operations, the Israeli security cabinet has approved a plan to facilitate the "occupation" of Palestinian territory and the "holding" of occupied territories, highlighting the importance of resolving the Middle East conflict peacefully.
