Israel: Trump is wrong - there are 24 living hostages, 3 in serious danger

Israel officially rejects President Trump's statement yesterday (Tuesday) that only 21 hostages remain alive and that three of the claimed 24 living hostages died in Hamas captivity, according to Israel Hayom.

According to Israel Hayom, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on saying "up to 24 dead," and while his wife said "fewer," it is Israel's policy to only declare hostages dead when they have what they think is certain and unimpeachable evidence that a hostage has died in Hamas captivity.

Of the 24 hostages considered to be alive until proven otherwise, 22 are Israeli and 2 are foreigners. The hope is that in the first stage of any future hostage deal, the foreigners will be freed without anything in exchange, as they were in previous deals.

Hamas leaders have repeatedly stated that they will not agree to any final hostage deal without ironclad assurances that the war will be ended in exchange for the hostages.