President Trump reveals three more hostages have died in Gaza as Israel prepares for a major military operation that could reshape the Middle East conflict.
At a Glance
- President Trump announced that three more Hamas hostages have died, leaving only 21 believed to be alive
- Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” to potentially invade Gaza if negotiations fail
- Hamas has reportedly accepted a proposal to release one American-Israeli hostage and the remains of four others
- Tens of thousands of IDF reservists are being prepared for what could be one of the largest operations since October 2023
- Netanyahu supports intensified military action, believing it will help defeat Hamas and rescue remaining hostages
Trump Announces Increased Hostage Deaths
During a White House swearing-in ceremony for Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump delivered the somber news that three more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died. This brings the total number of living hostages down to 21, according to Trump’s statements. The President did not provide details on the identities of the deceased hostages or the source of his information, leaving questions about how this intelligence was obtained and verified.
Trump reflected on his administration’s efforts to secure hostage releases, noting that progress has been slow but effective. “Well, we’ve gone very slowly, because we want to try and get as many hostages saved as possible, and we’ve done a good job in that regard,” Trump stated, referencing a recent meeting with former hostages who had been freed.
Israel’s Military Preparations Intensify
As diplomatic efforts continue, Israel’s Security Cabinet has authorized a plan called “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” that would involve invading and occupying the Gaza Strip if no agreement is reached with Hamas. This operation would represent one of the largest military actions since the war began in October 2023. Tens of thousands of IDF reservists are expected to be called up, signaling Israel’s readiness to escalate the conflict dramatically.
“We decided on intensified action in Gaza. That was the IDF Chief of Staff’s recommendation — to move, as he said, toward the defeat of Hamas. He believes this will also help us rescue the hostages. I agree with him,” said Netanyahu.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about Hamas’s recent statements, dismissing them as psychological warfare. The Israeli government has not confirmed Trump’s claim about the three additional hostage deaths. However, Sara Netanyahu has previously mentioned that the number of living hostages was fewer than 24, suggesting a degree of alignment with Trump’s latest figures. The Israeli military had previously reported 58 hostages still held in Gaza, with 34 believed to be dead.
Diplomatic Efforts Continue Despite Obstacles
Steve Witkoff, recently sworn in as Trump’s Middle East Envoy, has been tasked with negotiating a ceasefire and hostage deal between Hamas and Israel. Hamas has reportedly accepted a proposal to release one living American-Israeli hostage, Idan Alexander, along with the remains of four other hostages. The details of this proposal remain unclear, though direct talks have occurred recently between Hamas and U.S. representatives.
“They said only 24 are living and I now correct, I say 21 because as of today it’s 21. Three have died. So this is a terrible situation,” said Trump.
Israel has proposed terms requiring the release of half the remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a lasting truce in Gaza. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, ending a two-month truce. Israeli sources report 1,218 deaths on their side, while Gaza has suffered at least 2,507 casualties since hostilities resumed. The total combined number of hostages, both living and deceased, remains at approximately 59 according to multiple sources.
