Christiane Amanpour apologises for ‘insensitive and wrong’ remarks on Hamas hostages
CNN anchor admits error after suggesting Hamas hostages may have been treated better than Gazan civilians
CNN’s chief international anchor Christiane Amanpour has apologised after saying on air that Israeli hostages held by Hamas “may have been treated better than many Gazans”.
In a statement posted to X, Amanpour wrote: “I regret also saying that they may have been treated better than many Gazans because Hamas used these hostages as pawns and bargaining chips. It was insensitive and wrong.”
She added that the day marked “real joy” for “Israeli families whose loved ones are finally being returned from two years of horrific Hamas captivity, and for civilians in Gaza, who have finally had a reprieve from two years of brutal, deadly war.”
Amanpour said she had spoken with “many former hostages and their families”, adding: “Like everyone I’ve been horrified at what Hamas has subjected them to over two long years. They’ve told me their stories of barely being able to breathe in the tunnels, not being allowed to cry, being starved and made to dig their own graves – and of course today, some of the hostages are coming back in body bags.”
Her remarks during a live CNN broadcast prompted criticism online before she issued the public apology.
Amanpour, one of the world’s most recognised foreign correspondents, has reported extensively on the war between Israel and Hamas and previously interviewed families of those abducted on 7 October.
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