• Trump states three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died, reducing survivors to 21.
• Israeli officials maintain 24 hostages are alive, prompting alarm among families.
• Continued Israeli offensive raises concerns about the safety of hostages.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have died, bringing the total number of hostages believed to be alive down to 21. He emphasized the dire situation, stating, "We want to try and get as many hostages saved as possible," but provided no further details surrounding the identities or circumstances of those confirmed dead, according to SCMP and CBS News.

In contrast, an Israeli official affirmed that 24 hostages remain alive, creating confusion following Trump's remarks. Gal Hirsch, Israel's coordinator for hostage issues, confirmed the status of the hostages had not changed since before Trump's statements, emphasizing the importance of keeping families informed, according to Reuters and BBC.

The Israeli military has been undertaking a significant offensive in Gaza, leading to an increasing death toll on both sides. As of now, over 52,000 Palestinians are reported dead since the conflict resumed in March, following a temporary ceasefire that allowed for negotiations regarding hostages. Israeli officials argue that the military's priority is to dismantle Hamas, with various military leaders speaking to the operation's focus with differing degrees of emphasis on hostage recovery, according to SCMP and Reuters.