WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have been confirmed dead. He stated that only 21 hostages are still believed to be alive at this time.
“As of today, three individuals have died,” Trump remarked about the hostages maintained by Hamas. Previously, there were reports of 24 people believed to be alive.
Trump did not provide details regarding the identities of the deceased or how he obtained this information. “There are 21 alive, and there are more bodies,” he added.
Among the hostages, one American, Edan Alexander, is thought to be among the 24 who are still alive, alongside other Americans captured following the October 7, 2023, assault on Israel.
The president’s remarks coincided with Israel’s approval of a plan to maintain its presence in Palestinian territories for an indefinite period aimed at besieging the Gaza Strip, securing the release of hostages, and dismantling Hamas.
Should this plan move forward, it could lead to an expansion of Israeli military operations, provoking strong international backlash.
