Israel Prime Minister “uncertain” over the condition of three hostages of Gaza

Israel’s Prime Minister said he had “uncertainty” about the condition of three of the 24 hostages, who are thought to be alive in captive of Hamas in Gaza.

Benjamin Netanyahu said he knew “certainly” that 21 hostages are alive, but the status of “three more” is unclear.

His comments came after US President Donald Trump said 24 hostages were alive a week ago, but the figure is now 21 years old. He made the comments while talking at an event in the White House on Tuesday and did not cite a source or provide additional details.

The hostage forum and missing families had requested information.

The forum also called on Netanyahu to stop his plans to expand Israel’s offensive in Gaza and instead agree with a Hamas deal to return his other 59 living and dead hostages.

The spokesman called on the Prime Minister “to” stop the war until the last kidnapper returned, “adding:” This is the most successful and important national task. “

Speaking in a video on Wednesday after Trump’s remarks, Netanyahu said: “We know for sure that 21 hostages are alive. There are three more in respect of whom there is uncertain about whether they are alive.”

Last week, Netanyahu said that the rescue of hostages was a “very important goal” of war, but “the supreme goal is to win over our enemies.”

Israel’s chief military spokesman Brig-Gendy Defin seems to be contrary to the Prime Minister on Monday when he said: “The purpose of the operation is to return our hostages, the dismantling and decisive defeat of the Hamas regime.”

However, statement, The Israeli Haaretz newspaper reports that the military chief, Lieutenant Gen Ael forwith “defeating Hamas” at the top.

Israeli officials said plans for an expanded offensive include the seizure of the whole territory indefinitely, the forced displacement of the Palestinians to the south, and the assistance of aid with private companies, despite the UN protests and its humanitarian partners.

About 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage during the attacks led by Hamas against southern Israel on October 7, 2023, causing the Gaza War.

The other four people, two of them, were already held captive in the gas before the conflict.

So far, Israel has secured the return of 196 hostages, 147 of them alive, most of all through two temporary transactions for termination of fire with Hamas.

At least 52,653 people were killed in Gaza during the war, according to the health ministry in the territory.

More than 2500 were killed as Israel ended a two -month ceasefire on March 18 and resumed its offensive, saying that it wanted to put pressure on Hamas to release hostages.

Israel also blocked all supplies of humanitarian aid and other supplies for nine weeks, which the UN says has caused a major lack of food, medicines and fuel.