Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza are shocked by Trump’s statements about their relatives
The families of hostages held in the Gaza Strip expressed their shock on Friday at US President Donald Trump’s statements, in which he said that the number of living prisoners in Gaza is likely less than 20.
According to Israeli Channel 12, “The families of the hostages expressed their shock at the statements of US President Donald Trump”.
According to the Israeli channel, the families said, “They (the Israeli government) don’t care to talk to us or meet with us, and if you (the United States) know anything else, let us know”.
In the same context, official sources denied the information provided by Trump to the same channel.
The sources said: “The information we know about the detainees hasn’t changed, as previous figures regarding detainees remain the same.”
Israel estimates that Hamas holds 50 hostages, including 20 are still alive, while its prisons hold more than 10,800 Palestinians, amid human rights allegations of torture and medical neglect.
Pressure is mounting from the families of Israeli hostages to pursue a deal that would secure their loved ones’ release. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered immediate negotiations on Thursday to release the prisoners, in parallel with the plan to occupy the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu’s statement demonstrates his desire for a deal with new terms, at a time when mediators are awaiting an official response from him to a US proposal recently approved by Hamas, which largely matches what Israel previously agreed to.
According to Channel 12, the proposed proposal includes the redeployment of Israeli forces near the border to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, and a temporary ceasefire for 60 days, during which the exchange will be implemented in two stages: the release of 10 living Israeli prisoners and 18 bodies in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners, along with discussions on permanent ceasefire arrangements from day one.
