Netanyahu confirms 20 hostages alive, 30 dead as deal progresses

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that 20 hostages held by Hamas are still alive, while around 30 have been confirmed dead. His remarks came shortly before departing Washington at the conclusion of a four-day official visit to the United States.

Netanyahu boarded the “Wings of Zion” aircraft on July 10, heading back to Israel amid growing momentum around a potential hostage release agreement.

“There is currently a plan under which half of the living hostages will be released and half of the bodies of the deceased will be returned to Israel,” the prime minister said, Caliber.Az reports, citing Israeli media.

He added: “I hope the hostage agreement will be finalised within a few days. At present, it has been established that 20 hostages are alive, and around 30 are dead. After the implementation of the first stage of the deal, 10 living hostages and about 12 deceased will remain in captivity.”

Netanyahu also confirmed that the agreement includes a temporary ceasefire. “We will release the first group, and then use these 60 days to try to reach an agreement and bring an end to this nightmare.”

By Vugar Khalilov