There could be "less than 20" hostages, as they "tend to die," US President Donald Trump said at a press conference Sunday evening while preparing to board Air Force One.
However, he affirmed that he was confident he could return them all to Israel.
Israeli security officials, cited by Israel's public broadcaster, KAN News, denounced this specific comment by Trump, saying that "there are 20 living hostages. Any other statement is tantamount to permitting their blood to be shed."
Trump also stated that he believes a Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange deal will be reached "very soon."
"It's a hell of a problem," he noted, adding that he wants to solve the problem for the Middle East, Israel, and the world.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump said that Israel has agreed to a new US-backed hostage deal and warned Hamas that it must accept as well, in a post on Truth Social.
"Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one! Thank you for your attention to this matter. DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," the post read.
A new US-backed proposal has been delivered to Hamas over the past few days in an effort to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, sources told The Jerusalem Post on Sunday. The initiative, conveyed through Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin and Dr. Bishara Bahbah, outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at ending the ongoing conflict.
Hamas claimed that it is ready to "immediately sit at the negotiating table to discuss the release of all hostages in exchange for a clear declaration of an end to the war, a full withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the formation of a committee to administer the Gaza Strip from independent Palestinians, which will assume its work immediately," in an official statement published by the terror group on Sunday night.
Hamas also claimed that it "welcome[s] any move that contributes to the efforts being made to halt the aggression against our people."
In addition, Hamas told Sky News Arabia that it is considering Trump's proposal with "a positive spirit," and that relevant parties are handling the proposal with "great responsibility."
What does the Trump-backed deal entail?
According to the plan, Hamas would release all 48 hostages, including those believed to be alive and the bodies of the dead, on the first day of the agreement. In exchange, US President Donald Trump would offer a personal assurance that hostilities will not resume until negotiations between Israel and Hamas yield a resolution.
The proposal also calls for the release of between 2,000 and 3,000 Palestinian security prisoners, including those convicted of murder. It further stipulates the cancellation of Israel’s planned military operation in Gaza City, as well as the immediate start of talks to bring the war to a close.
Despite the proposal, Israeli troops would remain in parts of the Gaza Strip, maintaining a limited presence in designated zones.
Sources familiar with the negotiations said Hamas is unlikely to accept the terms.
“Hamas would essentially be giving up the hostages on day one in return for a presidential guarantee,” one source told the Post. “As important as that may be, what happens if the negotiations collapse? Hamas would have lost all of its leverage.”
A senior official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel is giving “very serious consideration” to the proposal, although he acknowledged the likelihood of Hamas continuing its refusal.
Hostage families respond to the deal proposal
The Hostages Families Forum responded to the news of the proposal, saying, "If the proposal attributed to President Trump has indeed been placed on the table, it represents a true breakthrough.
"President Trump has presented an agreement for the immediate release of all 48 hostages, alongside a full halt to the war for the duration of the negotiations."
"The personal guarantee of the president of the United States is a historic step without precedent. Such an agreement would advance a broader regional settlement, secure the release of all hostages, allow soldiers and reservists to return home to rebuild their families and livelihoods, and lay the foundation for Israel’s security - ending a war that has dragged on for nearly two years."
"We call on the Government of Israel to declare its unequivocal support for the emerging agreement and to provide President Trump with full backing until every hostage returns home- the living for rehabilitation, and the fallen for a dignified burial in their homeland," the statement concluded.