Hamas announced on Monday, Dec. 2, 33 hostages have been killed as Israel’s more than year-long war against the militant group continues. This marks the first time the Palestinian militia group has revealed the number of Israeli hostage deaths since the war in Gaza began. The announcement has also drawn the attention of President-elect Donald Trump.
Hamas claims other hostages have gone missing. The militant group warned Israel if it continues its military campaign in Gaza, “you could lose your hostages forever.”
The militant organization blames Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the hostages’ deaths. Hamas called for total withdrawal of Israeli forces before any hostage deal can be reached.
Israel estimates around 60 hostages are still alive and Hamas’ death count reportedly aligns with Israeli intelligence numbers.
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In October 2023, Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped more than 250 others during the Nova Music Festival. Since then, Netanyahu has vowed to eliminate Hamas to the point they no longer pose a threat to his country.
The war in Gaza has killed more than 44,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry.
Shortly after Hamas’ announcement on Monday, President-elect Donald Trump responded on Truth Social.
In the post, he demanded the immediate release of the remaining Israeli hostages and warned Hamas if the hostages aren’t freed by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, there will be “hell to pay.”
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his social media remarks on Tuesdy during a press conference.
“I want to thank President Trump for his strong statement yesterday about the need for Hamas to release the hostages. The responsibility of Hamas, and this adds another force to our continued effort to release all the hostages. Thank you, President Trump,” Netanyahu said.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also welcomed Trump’s comments on Truth Social, writing, “We all pray for the moment we see our sisters and brothers back home.”
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