Trump Suggests Dozens of Hostages May Be Dead in Gaza, Links Release to Continued Fighting
WASHINGTON – Former President Donald Trump indicated Sunday that as many as 40 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza may be dead, while suggesting continued military operations could be key to securing the release of those still alive. His comments, made during a rally in Rome, Georgia, represent a stark assessment of the ongoing hostage crisis adn a departure from previous public statements.
the remarks come as negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release remain stalled, wiht Hamas demanding an end to Israel‘s military offensive in Gaza as a condition for freeing the remaining captives. Over 130 hostages were seized during Hamas’s October 7th attack on Israel, and approximately 100 remain in Gaza. The fate of those hostages has become a central focus of the conflict, deeply impacting Israeli society and fueling international pressure for their return.
“They say it’s a lot of people, a lot of people are dead. I’m hearing very close to 40, maybe more,” Trump told the crowd, according to reports from multiple news outlets. He added, ”You have to be very strong, you have to continue the fight. They’ll make deals when they see that you’re strong.”
Trump’s suggestion of a high number of fatalities, if accurate, would represent a devastating blow to the families of the hostages and further complicate efforts to reach a resolution. Israeli officials have refrained from publicly confirming specific numbers of hostage deaths, citing the need to protect families and ongoing negotiations. However, intelligence assessments reportedly suggest a significant number of hostages may have perished due to Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza.
The former president’s comments underscore the complex and fraught dynamics surrounding the hostage crisis. While advocating for strength and continued military pressure,Trump also acknowledged the need for a deal,hinting that Hamas might be more willing to negotiate once they perceive a shift in the balance of power.
The situation remains fluid, with mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States working to broker a ceasefire agreement. The key sticking points remain Hamas’s demand for a permanent end to hostilities and Israel’s insistence on maintaining its security objectives in Gaza. the fate of the hostages hangs in the balance, with each day of fighting increasing the risk to their lives.
