Trump repeats statement that less than 24 Israelis hostages are alive in Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that he believes that fewer than 24 Israeli hostages are still alive in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

"Out of 59 hostages, 24 are alive – but my understanding now is that that number is even smaller," Trump said. He also addressed the last surviving Israeli American hostage, Edan Alexander.

"We don't know how he's doing...We think we know. And hopefully positive," Trump admitted. "Two months ago, we were pretty sure it looked like he was getting out, but they've toughened up a little bit and it's a terrible thing," he added, referring to the Hamas terrorist organization's refusal to release the remaining hostages.

Trump’s remarks, made at an US National Day of Prayer event, came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, said earlier this week that there were likely fewer than 24 hostages alive. Sara’s used the word “less” in response to the president's remarks about the remaining hostages held in Gaza

“We have another important mission, of course, not only to win, but also to bring them home. To date, we have returned 196 of our captors, 147 alive. There are up to 24 living,” Netanyahu stated. Following his wife’s comment, he prime minister said, “I say up to,” adding, “And the rest, of course, unfortunately, are not alive, and we will return them. It's the same spirit.” 

In April, Hamas released a propaganda video featuring Alexander, who had been in captivity for 554 days at the time. Alexander expressed frustration in the video that he was still held in captivity despite international efforts to secure a hostage agreement.

The Trump administration has stressed that Alexander's release is a top priority for the United States.

"Edan, a boy from New Jersey, moved to Israel in 2022 and was taken hostage in the brutal attack on the Jewish people on October 7," Trump stated on Friday. "Now I tell you – this is an attack that would have never happened, because the money that went to Hamas came from Iran."

Trump has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden for releasing billions of dollars to Iran, claiming the funds were later used by the ayatollah regime to support its nuclear activities and regional efforts, including actions against Israel and other Middle Eastern countries.

In February, Trump signed an executive order that called for maximum financial pressure on the Iranian regime. "Any oil that anyone takes from Iran, they're not allowed to do business in the United States," the president stated.

Trump also addressed Edan Alexander’s family.

"Your son could have been with us today," he told them. "October 7th would not have happened. I can't imagine your pain. But we are all with you. And we will do everything we can in a very short time. We have brought a lot of hostages home, but they want to do it as slowly as possible," Trump added, referring to Hamas’ dragging out the hostage deal negotiations.

Many families of the Israeli hostages have criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of failing to prioritize the release of those still held in Gaza. In contrast, a majority of the hostage families have commended Trump for his efforts to secure their release. Some former hostages have even described the American leader as being “sent by God” to help bring them home.