Trump Claims Many Hamas Hostages Killed, Criticizes Biden's Handling of Israel-Hamas Conflict

On April 29, 2024, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed on Truth Social that many of the hostages held by Hamas since October 7 have been killed, making it difficult for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a cease-fire deal. Trump also criticized President Joe Biden's handling of the ongoing conflict, saying the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel "WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED IF I WERE PRESIDENT" and that Biden has shown "ZERO leadership".

The comments came after Israeli airstrikes hit three houses in Rafah, Gaza, killing at least 20 Palestinians. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the best way to end the conflict in Gaza would be for Hamas to release its Israeli hostages, and that the most effective way to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is to secure a cease-fire and the hostages out.

The White House said Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke about the nearly seven-month war and ongoing talks to secure the release of hostages and an immediate cease-fire. Negotiations have been underway for months, but Israel and Hamas remain stalemated. Hamas has demanded that Israel end the war and leave Gaza, but Netanyahu has resisted. The U.S. has been pushing for a six-week halt in the fighting and opposes an Israeli ground attack on Rafah due to the risk to Palestinians.

The U.S. has also been delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, including through a new northern opening starting this week. Blinken is traveling to the Mideast to emphasize the U.S. view that Hamas is the obstacle to a cease-fire and discuss efforts to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in thousands of deaths, mostly Palestinian civilians, and a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The fate of the hostages and prospects for a cease-fire deal have significant implications for regional stability and the lives of those caught in the crossfire.

Trump's rhetoric surrounding Biden's handling of the Israel-Hamas war has become increasingly incendiary in recent weeks, as Biden has expressed some tension with Netanyahu and as pro-Palestinian protests have roiled college campuses across the U.S. Mediators have expressed hope that Israel and Hamas are inching towards an agreement to stop fighting in Gaza.

Key Takeaways

• Trump criticized Biden's handling of Israel-Hamas conflict, claiming hostages killed.
• Blinken said Hamas must release Israeli hostages to end the conflict in Gaza.
• U.S. pushing for 6-week ceasefire, opposes Israeli ground attack on Rafah.
• U.S. delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza, Blinken traveling to Mideast.
• Ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths, dire humanitarian crisis.