Netanyahu's Wife Claims Fewer Than 24 Hostages Alive in Gaza

Controversy erupted after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a public meeting, stated that up to 24 hostages in Gaza are still alive, only for his wife Sara to quietly interject 'fewer,' raising concerns among the families of those still held captive. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum and relatives of the hostages criticized the Netanyahus for causing additional anxiety and demanded transparency about the hostages’ status. Israeli officials reaffirmed that 24 remains the official estimate of living hostages, with this figure also communicated to mediators in ongoing negotiations. The incident has intensified scrutiny on the government’s communication and handling of sensitive information regarding the fate of the remaining hostages.