Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor, has retracted a controversial statement she made regarding the treatment of Israeli hostages by Hamas. Amanpour initially suggested that these hostages might have been treated more favorably than Gazan civilians, as Hamas sought to use them as leverage in negotiations with Israel.

The remarks followed the release of 20 living hostages on Monday morning, a development that came after a peace agreement brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at ending the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas. On air, Amanpour commented, “It’s been an extremely difficult two years for them. While they were in captivity, they might have received better treatment compared to the average Gazan, because they were seen as valuable bargaining chips by Hamas.” However, her comments were met with swift backlash on social media, prompting her to issue a comprehensive on-air apology and a subsequent post on X.

In her apology, Amanpour said, “Earlier, I spoke about this day being one of immense relief and happiness for Israeli families, as their loved ones return after two horrific years in Hamas captivity, and also for Gazan civilians, who have endured two years of brutal conflict. I noted that the journey to mental and physical recovery for the returning hostages will be long. However, I deeply regret my comments suggesting they may have been treated better than many Gazans, as it was insensitive and incorrect.” She acknowledged her words as inappropriate and expressed horror at the conditions the hostages endured during their captivity. Amanpour concluded by offering her sincere apologies for the misstep.

Reflecting on the times she spoke to former 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.’ Critics slammed the anchor, calling her a ‘terror enabler and a horrible human.’ ‘This isn’t your first hate filled comment and you are only apologizing to save your job. Resign now you demon,’ one fiery comment said. ‘You engaged in egregious journalistic malpractice and malicious editorializing. You “regret”? That’s not good enough. Utterly disgraceful,’ another lashed.

Richard Grenell, Special Presidential Envoy for Special Missions of US, branded her a ‘sick woman’ on X. ‘She’s literally pro-Hamas. ‘You can feel how mad she is with the release of hostages by Trump. ‘And she says “The Abraham Accords aren’t peace deals”’, he wrote.

Others expressed mixed emotions toward the seasoned anchor’s apology, some even accepted it. ‘Thank you for the apology, and I believe you regret your words. But please also ask yourself why you said them,’ one X comment read. ‘Good for you to apologize! I always enjoyed your intellect and professionalism but your statements earlier were really bad….’ another said.

Captives who spent 738 days held by Hamas were reunited with families on Monday, prior to Amanpour’s comments. The day Israel has dreamt of for more than two years finally arrived today as the last of the hostages returned from Gaza.

In emotional scenes, captives who had spent 738 days held by Hamas were reunited with parents, families, friends and loved ones. Former hostages ran straight into the arms of loved ones, who have spent every day since October 7, 2023 fighting for their release from grueling captivity.

Amanpour also sparked outrage last October after she insisted Iran ‘does not want conflict’ at the exact moment they rained missiles on Israel. The chief international anchor has been with CNN for over 40 years, since 1983.