Israel PM Confirms Uncertainty Over Hostage Status Amid Ongoing Gaza Conflict

Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks come as the situation continues to unravel, highlighting the precarious nature of hostage negotiations and military strategies.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, acknowledged from Jerusalem that there remains "uncertainty" about the fate of three out of the 24 hostages believed to be alive and held by Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu asserted that while he was "certain" 21 hostages are currently alive, the status of the remaining three remains ambiguous following conflicting statements from U.S. President Donald Trump about the numbers, which recently shifted from 24 to 21.

In light of ongoing military actions, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has urgently requested that Netanyahu agree to a new peace deal with Hamas rather than intensifying the offensive in Gaza, emphasizing that the return of hostages should be a national priority. They have publicly urged him to pause the military campaign "until the return of the last abductee," stating this to be the most pressing national mission.

Netanyahu, speaking in a recent video address, reiterated his commitment to the hostages' safety, commenting that “we know with certainty that 21 hostages are alive,” while the uncertainty regarding the other three is concerning. He previously expressed that while rescuing hostages holds significant importance, the overarching aim remains to achieve military victory against Hamas.

Contradicting Netanyahu's focus, Brig-Gen Effie Defrin, the chief military spokesman, indicated on Monday that the primary goal of Israel's ongoing military operations is indeed the return of hostages and dismantling the Hamas regime. Nevertheless, reports from Israeli news outlet Haaretz indicated that the military's chief of staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, issued orders placing hostages' return as a lower priority compared to defeating Hamas.

As Israel continues its military endeavor, officials are devising plans that involve long-term control of Gaza territory, forceful southward displacement of Palestinians, and privatized humanitarian aid delivery—actions that have drawn significant criticism from the UN and humanitarian groups.

The hostilities began following Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. Israel has successfully negotiated the release of 196 hostages, predominantly during temporary ceasefire agreements with Hamas, yet the toll in Gaza has been staggering, with over 52,653 deaths reported by the Hamas-operated health ministry. The situation for Gazans remains dire due to Israel's blockade of humanitarian supplies lasting over nine weeks.