Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, has issued a dire warning, stating that captives held in Gaza would be returned to Israel “in coffins” if Israeli military operations continue. The group claimed that “new instructions” have been given to fighters in charge of guarding the captives, especially if Israeli forces move closer.
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the Qassam Brigades, emphasized the stark choice facing the families of the captives: either their loved ones return alive through a deal or come back in coffins. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of jeopardizing the captives’ lives by focusing on military solutions rather than negotiating their release.
This statement followed the recovery of six captives’ bodies from a tunnel in Gaza’s Rafah area. Netanyahu alleged that these individuals were executed by Hamas, taking full responsibility for the situation and vowing retribution. Meanwhile, Hamas insists that the captives were killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Public anger in Israel has intensified, with protests criticizing the government’s failure to secure the captives’ release. Despite these protests and pressure from abroad, including U.S. President Joe Biden’s remarks that Netanyahu wasn’t doing enough to secure a deal, efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and prisoner exchange remain stalled.
As Israeli military operations in Gaza continue, the political and military standoff between Netanyahu’s government and Hamas shows no signs of resolution, leaving the fate of the remaining captives in peril.
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