Trump suggests fewer than 20 hostages still alive in Gaza, bucking official Israeli tally

US President Donald Trump tells reporters in the Oval Office that fewer than 20 hostages held by terror groups in Gaza are still alive, bucking Israel’s official tally and sparking despair from the families of the captives.

“So now they have 20,” he says, “but the 20 is actually probably not 20 because a couple of them are not around any longer.”

In his comments, Trump decries Hamas’s “extortion.” He also takes credit for the release of “hundreds” of hostages, though fewer than 150 captives remained in Gaza when he took office on January 20, and terror groups in the Strip continue to hold 50 captives, 28 of whom have been confirmed dead by the IDF.

There are also grave concerns for the well-being of two captives, Israeli officials have said.

Trump is also asked why the US appears to be backing the Israeli decision to take over Gaza City when the hostage families are opposed.

“Not all of them,” Trump replies. “And you have to understand, I’m the one who got all of the hostages out.”

“We’re doing everything we can to get the hostages out,” he says, adding that “it’s not easy.”

'I'm the one who got all the hostages out, if it wasn't for me, they wouldn't be out'

Speaking in the Oval Office, Donald Trump talks to the media about the remaining hostages in Gaza, saying 'the situation has to end'https://t.co/JomsP48R8k pic.twitter.com/HMltLaBnJQ

— Sky News (@SkyNews) August 22, 2025