Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Wednesday that three more hostages in Gaza may be dead — after his wife was caught on a hot mic saying fewer than 24 were believed to still be alive.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that 21 hostages abducted by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attacks are still alive, though the fate of three others remains uncertain.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that only 21 hostages held in Gaza are known to be alive, casting doubt over the fate of three others previously thought to be living. This announcement came after U.

Israel plans to set up distribution centers in southern Gaza and move a large number of Palestinians there, as it tries to balance international outrage over a blockade of aid to the enclave with continued pressure on Hamas.

The Trump administration is pressing the U.N., aid organizations and allies to participate in a new Israeli plan to resume limited aid to Gaza under conditions that Israel will strictly control.

European leaders and aid groups have criticised Israeli plans to take over distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and use private companies to get food to families after two months in which the military has prevented supplies entering the Strip.