Trump demands Hamas release all 20 surviving hostages

“Tell Hamas to IMMEDIATELY give back all 20 hostages (Not 2 or 5 or 7!), and things will change rapidly. IT WILL END!” Trump posted on Truth Social on Wednesday.

Of the 48 hostages still held in Gaza, Israeli officials believe 20 remain alive. In mid-August, Trump had also urged stronger action against Hamas, writing, “We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed!!! The sooner this takes place, the better the chances of success will be.”

On Friday, Trump was asked in an interview with The Daily Caller about Israel’s waning support in Congress and internationally. The president said the country is losing influence due to growing unpopularity regarding the war in Gaza. "So, Israel is amazing, because, you know, I have good support from Israel," he said, later adding, "Israel was the strongest lobby I’ve ever seen. They had total control over Congress, and now they don’t, you know, I’m a little surprised to see that."

Trump defended Israel’s efforts in fighting Hamas but argued that the country’s operations have been hurting its public image. "So, they’re gonna have to get that war over with. But it is hurting Israel. There’s no question about it. They may be winning the war, but they’re not winning the world of public relations, you know, and it is hurting them."

The calls come as divisions have emerged inside Israel’s leadership over how to resolve the war in Gaza. According to the New York Times, several military and intelligence officials are pushing for a phased deal that would begin with a temporary truce and the release of roughly half of the hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas has indicated it would accept a proposal that has been backed by Egypt and Qatar.