Trump Reports 21 Hostages Alive in Gaza Amid Israel's New Military Seizure Plan

On May 6, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that only 21 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are believed to be alive, down from 24. This statement coincides with Israel's approval of 'Operation Gideon’s Chariots,' a military plan to seize parts of Gaza to recover hostages and dismantle Hamas. The plan has raised concerns among hostage families and international observers, as it involves a potential prolonged Israeli military presence. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum disputes Trump's figures, maintaining that 24 hostages are alive.

Trump: “Three Have Died, 21 Remain Alive”

Speaking at a press conference following a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump told reporters that three hostages previously believed to be alive had died in captivity. “As of today, it’s 21, three have died,” he said. “There’s 21, plus a lot of dead bodies.”

Trump did not provide details on how he obtained the information or the identities of the deceased. His statement appeared to revise earlier figures provided by Israeli officials, who had said that 24 of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza were believed to be alive.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, represented by Gal Hirsch, disputed Trump’s claim, stating that the official number of living hostages remains at 24. According to Hirsch, 59 individuals are still held by Hamas, with 35 confirmed dead and 24 listed as alive. Of the total, 54 are Israeli citizens and five are foreign nationals.

Among those still believed to be alive is Edan Alexander, an American-Israeli dual citizen. His case has drawn significant attention from U.S. officials, with the National Security Council reiterating that Hamas would face “consequences” if it continues to hold hostages, including American citizens.

Israel Approves Military Plan to Seize Gaza Territory

Trump’s remarks coincided with Israel’s announcement of a new military strategy aimed at recovering the remaining hostages and defeating Hamas. On May 5, Israel’s Security Cabinet unanimously approved “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” a plan that includes the seizure of territory in Gaza and the establishment of a permanent Israeli military presence in captured areas.

The plan, as reported by Israeli and international media, involves the evacuation of civilians from combat zones to southern Gaza, the creation of security zones, and the application of the “Rafah model” — a strategy previously used to separate civilians from Hamas fighters and allow the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) operational freedom.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the decision in a video statement, saying, “That was the IDF chief of staff’s recommendation—to move, as he said, toward the defeat of Hamas. He believes this will also help us rescue the hostages. I agree with him.”

The Israeli government has given Hamas a 10-day deadline to agree to a new hostage deal before launching the full-scale operation. Trump is scheduled to visit the region on May 16, and Israeli officials have indicated that major military actions may be delayed until after his visit.

Hostage Families Express Alarm

The announcement of the military plan has caused alarm among the families of hostages still held in Gaza. On Tuesday, the families of 25 hostages submitted an urgent request for a meeting with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir and Maj.-Gen. (res.) Nitzan Alon, head of the IDF’s Hostages Directorate. They demanded transparency and assurances that their loved ones would be protected during the upcoming military campaign.

Alon had previously warned that continued intensive fighting in Gaza could have “disastrous consequences” for the remaining hostages.

Moshe Lavi, the brother-in-law of Omri Miran, the oldest hostage still believed to be alive, voiced concern over the implications of the plan. “We hope it’s merely a signal to Hamas that Israel is serious in its goal to dismantle its governmental and military capabilities as a leverage for negotiations, but it’s unclear whether this is an end or a means,” he said.

Humanitarian and Regional Repercussions

The Israeli plan has drawn criticism from humanitarian organizations and regional actors. Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since early March, cutting off imports of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. Aid groups have warned that malnutrition and hunger are worsening, and the United Nations has reported that the vast majority of Gaza’s population now relies on humanitarian aid.

The new military strategy includes provisions for humanitarian aid distribution, but only after civilian evacuations are completed. Aid will be delivered in secure zones under IDF protection, with civilians undergoing security screening before receiving supplies.

Palestinian health officials report that more than 52,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages.

International Response and Diplomatic Outlook

The Israeli plan to seize and hold territory in Gaza has raised concerns among international observers. Some Israeli citizens have also voiced opposition, with hundreds protesting outside the Knesset on Monday as the government opened its summer session.

A senior Hamas official stated that there was “no sense” in continuing truce talks following Israel’s announcement of an indefinite military presence in Gaza. The collapse of previous ceasefire negotiations and the resumption of ground operations have further complicated efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution.

While Trump has not explicitly endorsed Israel’s new military plan, U.S. officials have continued to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages. The upcoming visit by Trump to the region is seen by some as a potential opportunity to revive negotiations, though no formal truce or hostage deal has yet been announced.

Trump Reports 21 Hostages Alive in Gaza Amid Israel's New Military Seizure Plan

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