US President-elect Donald Trump believed that most of the 'Israeli' captives held by Palestinian resistance forces in Gaza were dead, according to Axios which cited sources familiar with the situation.

 

Axios' report revealed that 'Israeli' President Isaac Herzog contacted Trump to congratulate him on his electoral win and informed him about the urgent matter of securing the release of the 101 captives.

 

'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously confirmed that 101 individuals were still being held captive in Gaza, with about half believed to still be alive. However, when Herzog mentioned the matter to Trump, he responded by saying, "Most of them are probably dead."

 

Herzog reassured Trump that 'Israeli' intelligence believed half of the captives were still alive, which surprised Trump, who said he was unaware of this information.

 

Additionally, the report mentioned that Trump would be responsible for negotiating the release of the seven American captives held in Gaza, four of whom are believed to still be alive. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed that Trump would serve as the lead negotiator for the US, working to bring the captives back home.

 

Axios also reported that 'Israeli' officials stated that a potential ceasefire agreement in Lebanon could increase pressure on Hamas, refocusing efforts on securing a deal for the captives' release and a ceasefire in Gaza.

 

Sources further indicated that Trump preferred to end the war in Gaza quickly, noting that his influence over Netanyahu would be much stronger than that of current President Joe Biden.