CNN’s Christiane Amanpour apologizes for saying Israeli hostages were ‘treated better’ than Gazans

LONDON, ENGLAND: CNN veteran Christiane Amanpour has landed herself in hot water once again.

The network’s chief international anchor found herself backpedaling on Monday, October 13, after making what many called an outrageous remark about Israeli hostages who were finally freed from Hamas captivity.

CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour’s controversial comments

During a live segment, Amanpour suggested that the hostages “may have been treated better than the average Gazan,” reasoning that Hamas needed to keep them alive as “pawns and chips” to leverage against Israel.

“It’s been a terrible, terrible two years for them, because not only are they there, they’re probably being treated better than the average Gazan,” Amanpour said on air. “Because they [the Israeli hostages] are the pawns and the chips that Hamas had.”

Her comments came just hours after all 20 living hostages were released following a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered by President Donald Trump, that finally brought an end to two years of bloodshed.

The moment should have been one of celebration, as emotional reunions unfolded between captives and their families after 738 days in Hamas tunnels. Instead, Amanpour’s tone-deaf remark drew sharp criticism.

This isn’t Amanpour’s first time facing outrage. Just last October, she sparked backlash for saying Iran “does not want conflict” while they were launching missiles at Israel.

Christiane Amanpour’s on-air apology

Amanpour offered an on-air apology and followed it up with a post on X on Monday evening.

“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,” she said.

“I noted that for the hostages who are finally home, it will take a long time for them to recover mentally and physically. But I regret also saying that they may have been treated better than many Gazans because Hamas used these hostages as pawns and bargaining chips,” she continued.

Amanpour admitted that her earlier comments were “insensitive” and “wrong.” She added that she was “horrified at what Hamas has subjected them to over two long years.”

Reflecting on past interviews with hostages and their families, she said, “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."

Christiane Amanpour faced backlash on social media

Amanpour’s apology did little to calm the outrage online. Many accused her of minimizing the suffering of hostages and families.

"Given that you have spoken with many of the hostages and their families, your statement is even more callous and outrageous than it first appears. No belated apology will take away the pain you have inflicted on families and a nation that have already suffered so much," one posted on X.

"Ooops, sorry, I accidentally made the demonisation of Israel a little obvious this time. Luckily I only a few people will read my lame apology. Fear not, normal thinly veiled Israel hate will resume shortly," another mocked

"What a smug, self-serving 'apology' this is. The truth is, what came out of your mouth without planning what to say is what you really think. This is nothing more than a public relations exercise. And it didn't work on me," someone else fumed.

"Afraid of being Kimmeled, were you?" a comment read.

"You have done this too many times for it to be a mistake. @cnni @CNN really needs to re-evaluate if honest, unbiased journalism is the focal point of its network or if it’s going to keep you as a host," another chimed in, tagging the network

The veteran journalist has been with CNN since 1983.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.