How Many Hostages are Alive Held by Hamas?

U.S. officials estimated that the number of hostages still alive in the possession of Hamas is only 50. The American newspaper "Wall Street Journal" reported that among the 116 hostages believed to be held by Hamas in Gaza, only 50 are still alive. This assessment, based on information derived from Israeli and American intelligence, estimates the number of deceased hostages at 66, a figure significantly higher than what Israel has publicly acknowledged. Jagai Levin, head of the medical team for the Hostage and Missing Relations Forum, told the "Wall Street Journal" that "there is great cause for concern" regarding the hostages held in Gaza. He added, "It seems that more hostages are dying or facing danger or suffering from serious illnesses every week." The newspaper reported that the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as the Israeli army, declined to comment on these estimates. The Israeli army had previously stated that "41 hostages have died in captivity based on intelligence obtained by troops operating in Gaza."