Statement follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that only 21 hostages remain alive in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Wednesday that three of the 59 hostages captured in the Gaza Strip may have been killed, which, if confirmed, would raise the number of deceased captives to 38. This statement comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced last night that only 21 hostages remain alive in Gaza — a figure causing deep concern among the families of those abducted.
“There are three others who, unfortunately, we doubt are still alive,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on his social media account on X. Until now, Israeli authorities had officially reported 24 hostages as alive, but Trump’s comments shifted that estimate.
On Tuesday, Trump declared that the number of living hostages stood at 21 and specified that three had already died. “As of today, there are 21. Three have died,” the U.S. president stated, without providing further details. “There are 21, plus many dead bodies,” he added, raising alarm over the fate of the captives.
This controversy comes amid heightened political tensions after Israel’s government on Monday approved a plan for the “conquest” of the Gaza Strip. The plan reportedly includes an indefinite Israeli military presence in the Palestinian territory and, according to official sources, could involve the forced displacement of Gaza’s population toward the southern part of the region.
Separately, Israel has announced plans to resume the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been blocked since March 2. However, Israeli authorities would impose strict control over access and distribution of the aid — a move that has been rejected by the United Nations.
The UN has voiced concern over the restrictions imposed on humanitarian assistance, warning that they could worsen the situation for Gaza’s civilian population. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his “alarm” on Monday over reports that Israel intends to expand its military offensive in Gaza and prolong its presence in the Palestinian territory.
“This will inevitably lead to countless civilian deaths and further destruction in Gaza,” said Farhan Haq, spokesperson for Guterres, responding to a question during a press briefing in New York.
“It is essential to end the violence immediately. No more civilian casualties or destruction. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state,” Haq added.
Israel and the United States continue to exchange contradictory statements regarding the situation of the hostages in Gaza, while tensions between Israeli authorities and international organizations continue to escalate. The uncertainty over the whereabouts and condition of the captives, along with Israel’s complex political and military decisions, keeps the international community on high alert.
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