Trump Claims Three Hostages Deceased, Total Now 21; Israel Stands by 24 Count

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump disclosed that the count of live hostages in Gaza had decreased from 24 to 21. However, not long after, Israel’s designated negotiator for hostages stated that their official tally still stands at 24.

“As of today, it’s 21 [who are still alive]. Three have died,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, without providing additional details.

A week ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spouse, Sara, declared in front of journalists that the count was under 24. These remarks greatly upset the families of the captives who hadn't received an update regarding this issue. Two days after her statement, President Donald Trump supported this claim as well, mentioning that fewer than 24 hostages remained alive in Gaza; however, unlike his comment on Tuesday, he refrained from providing a precise number then.

Shortly after Trump's remarks, however, Gal Hirsch, who serves as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's special envoy for hostage affairs, posted on Twitter that Israel's official list of living hostages contains 24 names.

A person close to the situation informed The Times of Israel that this inconsistency may stem from the possibility that Israel possesses intelligence suggesting some hostages might not be alive anymore. Alternatively, they haven’t received any proof of life signals from these captives since they were taken. Nevertheless, these individuals continue to be legally recognized as being alive unless death can be conclusively established.

Hirsch posted on Twitter that Hamas has 59 captives at present — out of which 24 are included in Israel’s roster of individuals reported alive as hostages and another 35 are part of their record of hostages who have been declared deceased.

Out of the 59 hostages, five are foreigners, Hirsch also mentioned.

In light of the hostility from hostage families who learned about these developments through the media, Hirsch maintained that his office keeps consistent communication with them and remains readily accessible for any updates or explanations they may require.

Trump helped secure the release of 33 hostages, including two Americans, through a hostage deal that was inked the day before he entered office in January. But that deal fell apart after its first phase, with Israel resuming the war on March 18 after Hamas refused its demands to rework the terms of the agreement.

Negotiations have stalled over the last two months, as Israel is ready to accept only a provisional agreement that would free some hostages in return for a short truce during which they could continue combat operations. Conversely, Hamas has expressed readiness to immediately release all 59 remaining captives simultaneously to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities.

Netanyahu has rejected this swap, contending that it would allow Hamas to remain in control. However, by taking this stance, he seems to be diverging from the opinion of most Israelis, who have been consistently represented polls have shown support ending the war in exchange for the release of all the hostages.

On Sunday, the security cabinet endorsed a significant escalation of military operations in Gaza, with the objective of reclaiming full control over the region and maintaining permanent occupation as a means to exert pressure on Hamas for the release of all remaining captives.

However, it is waiting until after Trump’s May 13 through 16 trip to the region before launching the operation, leaving open the possibility for a deal in the coming week and a half.

Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff told the Axios news site on Monday, “I hope we make progress. I hope we get everyone out. I talk to Qatar, Egypt, and Israel almost every day. President Trump wants to get the hostages. Prime Minister Netanyahu wants to get the hostages. We are working in a concerted way.”

The post Trump says three hostages have died, only 21 now living; Israel: Figure remains at 24 appeared first on The Times of Israel .

Never miss important Israel stories - get the free Times of Israel Daily Edition