Hostage families question Netanyahu over mistaken claim that 46 captives are still in Gaza
Families of Israeli hostages have called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to clarify his remarks after he misstated the number of captives still held in Gaza during an interview with US commentator Ben Shapiro.
In the interview, Netanyahu said he was hopeful that the conflict in Gaza would end “soon,” crediting former US President Donald Trump for his potential role in bringing about that outcome. However, he went on to mistakenly claim that 46 hostages remained in Gaza.
“What began in Gaza will end in Gaza — with the release of 40 of our hostages, 46 actually, 20 are alive,” Netanyahu said.
Following his comments, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum issued a statement demanding “an explanation and clarification” from the prime minister.
“Two years ago today, 251 people were abducted — dragged from their beds, their bases, and a music festival into the horror of captivity in Gaza,” the group said. “Four others had already been held in Gaza for years. All of them were taken during your tenure. To update you — there are 48 hostages in Gaza.”
The forum reiterated its call for a resolution to the conflict, adding, “It’s time to reach an agreement that will end the longest war in our history and bring all 48 abductees home — for recovery or for burial.”
