US President Donald Trump said that fewer than 20 hostages were still alive in Gaza while speaking at the Oval Office on Friday.
Trump also defended Israel’s decision to expand its military presence in Gaza City – saying that such operations may actually free the hostages – and decried the October 7 Hamas massacre as a genocide.
Trump said that between 32 and 38 hostages of the 48 being held by Hamas in Gaza have been killed, leaving fewer than 20 still alive. Regarding the suspected circumstances surrounding the deaths, Trump said, “A lot of people died in those horrible tunnels; they’re mostly in the tunnels.”
Israeli intelligence has indicated that as many as 20 hostages are still alive. Many hostage families have spoken out against the operations in Gaza City, fearing the operations may lead to their loved ones’ deaths.
When asked about the Gaza City expansion and its impact on the hostages, Trump responded that “they might be [at greater risk]. They also may be freed because of that... War, a lot of strange things happen. A lot of results take place that you never think were going to happen.”
UN report on genocide in Gaza
Trump was asked for his thoughts on the recent United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry that concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The US president responded by describing the October 7 massacre as “genocide at the highest level,” recounting details of the attack.
“Did anyone commit genocide on October 7?” he asked the reporter. “That was genocide at the highest level. That was murder, genocide; you can call it whatever you want. But little babies were chopped in half. Arms were cut off people; heads were cut off people. That’s genocide also, I guess.”