WSJ: Less than 50 hostages estimated to survive Hamas captivity

The Wall Street Journal reports that US intelligence estimates fewer than 50 hostages, captured by Hamas on October 7, 2023, are still alive. This is lower than Israel's official count.

Currently, there are 116 hostages in total. Israel confirms 51 deaths, but US estimates, based partly on Israeli data, suggest at least 66 have died.

The Israeli government, IDF, and US National Intelligence declined to comment. Hamas claims no knowledge of the hostages' status.

Despite initial relief after four hostages were freed, Israel faces ongoing negotiations with Hamas to recover the remaining hostages, amidst new conditions set by the terrorist group.