‘Close to 40 Gaza hostages are dead,’ says Trump

President Donald Trump gives mixed signals regarding how many hostages held in Gaza are dead, claiming as many as 38 may already be deceased, leaving just 10 survivors, before contradicting himself.

By World Israel News Staff

President Donald Trump contradicted himself on Friday regarding the number of Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip who are dead and the number of surviving captives, yet again contradicting the estimates of Israel’s intelligence community.

Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, the president speculated that the number of deceased hostages being held in Gaza could be close to 40, while also suggesting that the number of surviving captives is “probably” 20.

Israel estimates that of the 48 remaining hostages held in Gaza, 20 are likely still alive, while 28 are believed to have been killed on October 7th or died while in captivity.

“We have close to 40 hostages deceased,” Trump said. “Many of them died in those terrible tunnels. Most are young.”

Speaking off the cuff, the president suggested that “32 are dead, maybe 38.”

At the same time, he appeared to reference Israel’s estimate that 20 hostages are still alive, while also hinting that the actual number may in fact be lower.

“There are probably 20 hostages alive, maybe fewer,” Trump continued. “Most are in tunnels, but I’ve already gotten some of them out. As you know, I released most of the hostages and about 20 remain alive. Maybe they will be freed. In war, strange things happen — things you never thought would occur. I’ve always said that when you get down to 10 or 20 last living hostages, it will be difficult.”

This is not the first time the president has hinted that the number of living hostages may be lower than the Israeli estimates. In August, Trump speculated that the “20 is actually probably not 20.”

On Friday, Trump also recalled his recent conversations with the families of slain hostages whose remains are still held in the Gaza Strip, adding that the Hamas invasion of 2023 “must not” be forgotten.

“In most cases, these are young men. They want their children back, as families of the living hostages do. It’s so sad. I spoke with mothers and fathers who said, ‘Please, sir, please return my son’s body.’ They want them as if they were alive. It’s horrific. We must not forget October 7th.”