Christiane Amanpour, a seasoned journalist with CNN, has ignited controversy yet again, reinforcing criticism aimed at the network often accused of biased reporting. In a recent broadcast, she made a startling assertion regarding the treatment of hostages held by Hamas, suggesting that their ordeal was somehow mitigated by the fact that they were seen as “valuable leverage” by their captors.
During her comments on Monday, Amanpour opined that the psychological toll on hostages would be profound, stating, “I pretty much can assure you that once those doors are opened, it will be a scene of absolute, abject horror.” She emphasized the long recovery that lies ahead for those who have endured such trauma.
However, she added an extraordinary claim: “They’re probably being treated better than the average Gazan,” implying that the captivity experience afforded them a level of care not extended to the broader Palestinian population.
CNN’s Christine Amanpour: “The Israeli hostages have probably been treated better than the average Gazan because they are the pawns & chips that Hamas had.”
Evyatar David was quite literally forced to dig his own grave.
Absolutely unacceptable from CNN.pic.twitter.com/ji5ShHpeOG
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) October 13, 2025
Amanpour’s comments provoked widespread outrage, particularly given the brutal reality faced by numerous Jewish hostages, many of whom faced severe violence at the hands of Hamas. The story of Shiri Bibas and her children, who were taken hostage in 2007 and later murdered, highlights the horrific consequences of such conflicts.
Israel is saying they will receive the bodies of the Bibas family tomorrow.
Hamas murdered them.
Hamas kidnapped a mother and her babies from their home and murdered them then kept their bodies hostage for over a year.
Pure evil. pic.twitter.com/RIfldeKrpT
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) February 19, 2025
Following her previous comments, Amanpour attempted to clarify her remarks during a subsequent segment on CNN, suggesting it was a day of joy for Israeli families as hostages were being returned. Yet, the question lingers: will such a correction suffice in light of the gravity of her initial statements?
Earlier live on air, I spoke about what a day of real joy this is, 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.
I… pic.twitter.com/3OppU0kUhR
— Christiane Amanpour (@amanpour) October 13, 2025
For clarity, it is important to note that the bodies of Shiri Bibas and her children are scheduled to be returned to Israel today.
