Trump Sparks Anger Among Families of Israeli Hostages

Translation by SadaNews - Remarks made by U.S. President Donald Trump last night have sparked anger among the families of Israeli hostages in Gaza.

Trump stated from the White House to reporters about the fate of the Israeli hostages in Gaza: "There are 20 alive, and maybe fewer because some are no longer with us." He added: "This is extortion and it must end... I said that when we reach 20, they (Hamas) will stop making deals, and after I threatened, they are now ready to immediately provide 10 hostages. I don’t know what Israel will do, but they are ready to hand over 10 immediately."

Trump further stated: "There is a small remaining group, and Hamas knows that delivering them likely means the end of their lives. Therefore, it is not easy to find them."

He pointed out to the families of the hostages, saying: "I know that the parents do not care, they just want their children back. I understand that, but I successfully liberated them, I did a good job, and we will do our utmost to free the abductees."

The families of the Israeli hostages responded to Trump, as translated by SadaNews, citing Yedioth Ahronoth: "There are 50 hostages. For us, each one of them is a whole world. If Minister Dermer, who talks only with the Americans and does not bother to talk to the families of the hostages or meet them, knew something different, he should have informed the families first... It is our sacred duty to prevent sacrifice and bring everyone home."

Robbie Chen, father of Itai Chi, a hostage in Gaza, said he "experiences renewed shock every time Trump does not mention the fifty hostages, but instead mentions a different number, and I wonder why? Is there a source informing the president about hostages we do not know? Personally, I emphasize to the White House the importance of mentioning the fifty hostages, alive and dead, who concern the return of the entire people of Israel."

In light of Trump's statements, Israeli Coordinator for Prisoners and Missing Persons Gal Hirsch sent a message to the families of the hostages after midnight, saying: "According to the information available to Israel, there is no change in the information you have received from us: 20 of the hostages are alive, 2 are in severe danger to their lives, and 28 are not among the living and have been identified as deceased hostages."