Trump Announces Reduction in Living Hostages Held by Hamas

Person speaking at a podium with flag background.

President Trump reveals that only 21 Hamas-held hostages remain alive as Israel prepares for potential military action in Gaza if diplomatic efforts fail. However, Israel reports that 24 hostages remain alive in Gaza, after remarks by Trump stirred fear among their families.

Key Takeaways

President Trump announced three more hostages have died in Gaza, reducing the number of living hostages to 21 from the original 59 captives.
Hamas has accepted a proposal to release one American-Israeli hostage, Idan Alexander, and the remains of four others, though Netanyahu called this “psychological warfare.”
Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has been tasked with negotiating a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Hamas and Israel.
Israel has approved “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” a plan to invade Gaza if diplomatic efforts fail, with thousands of reservists being mobilized.
Netanyahu supports intensified military action, believing it could lead to Hamas’s defeat and the hostages’ rescue.

Trump Announces Reduction in Living Hostages

President Donald Trump revealed on Tuesday that three more hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died, bringing the number of those still alive down to 21. The announcement came during a White House swearing-in ceremony for Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been tasked with negotiating a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Trump did not provide details about the identities of the deceased hostages or how he received this information, but his statement marks a significant update in the ongoing hostage crisis that began in October 2023.

According to Trump, there are “21, plus a lot of dead bodies” remaining in Gaza. This figure aligns with recent comments from Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who hinted that fewer than 24 hostages remain alive. The Israeli military had previously reported 58 hostages still held in Gaza, with 34 believed to be dead.

Trump says only 21 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza now believed to be alive
https://t.co/KK6JktpN8y

— WSFA 12 News (@wsfa12news) May 7, 2025

Diplomatic Efforts and Hamas’s Proposal

Hamas has recently accepted a proposal to release one living American-Israeli hostage, Idan Alexander, and the remains of four other hostages. The details of this negotiation between Hamas and the United States remain unclear, although direct talks have reportedly occurred. Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed skepticism about Hamas’s statement, characterizing it as psychological warfare designed to manipulate international opinion rather than a genuine offer for resolution.

“We’re trying to get the hostages out, we’ve gotten a lot of them out. As the expression goes, there are 21 plus a lot of dead bodies,” said Trump.

Israel has demanded the release of half the remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a lasting truce in Gaza. Trump indicated that rescue efforts have been proceeding deliberately to maximize the number of hostages saved. “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,” he stated during the announcement.

Israel’s Military Preparations

As diplomatic efforts continue, Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a contingency plan called “Operation Gideon’s Chariots” to invade and occupy the Gaza Strip if no agreement is reached by the end of Trump’s Middle East peace initiative. This operation would represent one of the largest military mobilizations since the conflict began, with tens of thousands of IDF reservists expected to be called up for service, signaling Israel’s readiness for a ground operation if needed.

“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 Netanyahu has indicated support for intensified military action against Hamas, believing it could lead to both the terrorist organization’s defeat and the rescue of remaining hostages. The conflict has already resulted in significant casualties since Israel resumed its offensive on March 18, ending a two-month truce. Reports indicate 1,218 deaths on the Israeli side and at least 2,507 deaths in Gaza since hostilities resumed, underscoring the high human cost of this prolonged conflict.