Trump says more captives may have died in Gaza

US President Donald Trump warned Friday that additional captives could have died in Gaza, revealing that the United States is engaged in “deep negotiation” with Hamas as 'Israel' intensifies its military offensive.

“There could be some that have recently died, is what I'm hearing. I hope that's wrong, but you have over 30 bodies in this negotiation,” Trump said during remarks in the Oval Office.

Trump appeared to fluctuate in the numbers during his statements, mentioning at one point “about 38 dead people, young, beautiful dead people,” then revising to 20 and 30 in later remarks.

The US president emphasized the ongoing negotiations with Hamas, saying, “We're in very deep negotiation with Hamas.”

He added that the release of captives could bring positive outcomes, “We said let them all out right now, let them all out, and much better things will happen for them. But if you don't let them all out, it's going to be a tough situation, it's going to be nasty.”

Meanwhile, 'Israel' has announced plans to capture Gaza City, the territory’s largest urban center, which has already suffered extensive destruction. 'Israeli' forces have warned they will target all tall buildings suspected of being used by Hamas.