An Israeli source in the hostage negotiation team addressed the controversy sparked by Sara Netanyahu's comments, where the Prime Minister's wife noted to the PM that there are fewer than 24 living hostages in Gaza, stating: 'The number 24, which the Prime Minister mentioned during the meeting with torch lighters, is indeed the correct official number, and it is also the official number that the Coordinator for Captives and Missing Persons submitted to mediators during negotiations.'

