US President Donald Trump recently stated that fewer than 20 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza may still be alive. During a press conference in the Oval Office, he remarked, “Now they have 20 hostages, but perhaps this number is also not correct, as some hostages are no longer alive.” This assertion has heightened anxiety among the families of the hostages. Trump condemned Hamas’s actions as “extortion” and added, “We are trying our best to free the hostages, but it is not easy. This extortion has to end.”
On August 22, Israel issued a stark warning: if Hamas does not release all hostages and disarm, Gaza City will face destruction. Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, declared, “The gates of hell will open on Hamas’ killers and criminals, unless they agree to Israel’s conditions of releasing the hostages and disarming.”
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum responded strongly to Trump’s comments. They emphasized, “Mr. President, there are 50 hostages. The life of every hostage is precious to us.” The forum also criticized Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer for engaging in discussions with the U.S. without consulting the families. They insisted that any new information should be communicated to the families first. Demonstrations occurred in Israel last week, where people called for an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the release of the hostages.
In a related development, Iran’s Defense Minister, Aziz Nasirzadeh, announced that the Islamic Republic has established weapons manufacturing facilities in several unnamed countries. In an interview with the Young Journalists Club, he stated that missile development is currently his priority, but this focus may shift following the war with Israel. While the specific locations of these facilities remain undisclosed, their official inauguration is expected soon. This escalation adds to the mounting tensions in the Middle East, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the hostage situation are critical issues, further complicated by Iran’s advancements in arms manufacturing, which threaten regional stability.
Original Source: https://www.india.com/news/world/we-have-built-weapons-manufacturing-facilities-in-several-countries-claims-iran-countries-are-west-asia-israel-hamas-donald-trump-gaza-aziz-nasirzadeh-8030408/
Category: World,Hamas,Iran,Israel,israel hamas update
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Publish Date: 2025-08-24 00:45:00
