US President Donald Trump has claimed that fewer than 20 Israeli prisoners are currently held by the Palestinian independence movement Hamas. According to him, 32 to 38 hostages have died since the beginning of the conflict, and most of them have died in the underground tunnels in Gaza.

Trump also said, “These tunnels are the main hideout of Hamas. The highest number of hostage deaths have occurred here.” He also expressed support for Israel’s military operation.

According to Trump, the ongoing military operation in Gaza City may increase the chances of the hostages being released. However, most of the hostages are still trapped inside the tunnels. The US president mentioned that he has already freed some and expressed hope that the remaining 20 can be released. However, since the number of hostages surviving at the last stage is small, the issue becomes very difficult and sensitive.

In this situation, the ceasefire proposal in Gaza has also been vetoed, and the United States has come under fire. In addition, the international community is now focusing on protecting the rights of Palestinian children to education and the humanitarian situation.