President Donald Trump stated in a Friday interview with Fox News that some of the 20 hostages may have died, amidst ongoing tensions. The specific number of hostages and the context of their capture were not detailed in the statement. This development follows a stabbing incident at a hotel in Gush Etzion on the morning of September 12th, where a hotel worker allegedly attacked two guests. The suspect was apprehended by the dining room manager and a police officer. Three additional suspects were arrested following the incident, which is under investigation for a potential motive related to fear of kidnapping. Barriers in Gush Etzion were reportedly closed after the attack. Separately, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) detained dozens of Palestinian men in Tulkarem yesterday, September 11th, after an explosive device attack near the Nitzanei Oz Crossing injured two soldiers. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad claimed responsibility for that attack. The IDF confirmed the detentions and questioning of suspects in the aftermath. Earlier on September 12th, 2025, the IDF had issued evacuation directives for residents of Gaza City and Khan Yunis due to intensified operations.
