Biden scoffs at Hamas’ Gaza death toll claim before lashing out when pressed on American hostages

President Biden said Wednesday that he doesn’t believe the Hamas-run Gaza government’s claim that 5,000 people have died in Israeli airstrikes since Oct. 7 — after growing flustered when pressed on efforts to free American hostages before fighting escalates. “I have no notion that the Palestinians are telling the truth about how many people were killed.” Biden said in the White House Rose Garden at a joint press conference with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, adding, “I have no confidence in the number that the Palestinians are using.” The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry’s claim is widely cited in media reports after the terrorist group murdered more than 1,400 people — including at least 33 Americans in a surprise attack on southern Israel earlier this month. Hamas also holds roughly 200 hostages — including up to 10 Americans — after releasing two US citizens Friday and two elderly Israelis this week. The Washington Post on Tuesday ran an article defending the newspaper’s publication of the Hamas claims, writing, “Many experts consider figures provided by the ministry reliable, given its access, sources and accuracy in past statements.” Read more at #israel #hamas #gaza #palestine The New York Post is your source for breaking news, news about New York, sports, business, entertainment, opinion, real estate, culture, fashion, and more. Subscribe to New York Post Sports: Catch the latest news here: Follow The New York Post on: Twitter - Facebook -