WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump mentioned Tuesday that three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died, leaving solely 21 believed to be nonetheless dwelling.
“As of today, it’s 21, three have died,” Trump mentioned of the hostages being held by Hamas, noting till not too long ago it had been 24 individuals believed to be dwelling. He didn’t elaborate on the identities of these now believed to be useless, nor how he had come to be taught of their deaths. “There’s 21, plus a lot of dead bodies,” Trump mentioned.
One American, Edan Alexander, had been among the many 24 hostages believed to be alive, with the our bodies of a number of different Individuals additionally held by Hamas after its Oct. 7, 2023 assault on Israel.
Hamas has been designated as a terrorist group by the US, Canada and the European Union.
The president’s feedback got here as Israel authorized plans on Monday to grab the Gaza Strip and to remain within the Palestinian territory for an unspecified period of time, in a bid to get better the hostages and attempt to fulfill its conflict goals of destroying Hamas. If carried out, the transfer would vastly develop Israel’s operations there and sure draw fierce worldwide opposition.
