The armed wing of Hamas has said that it will begin executing an Israeli civilian captive in exchange for any fresh Israeli attack on residential dwellings without prior notice.
According to Abu Obaida, a spokesperson for Hamas’ armed branch, the IQB, they are following Islamic precepts by keeping Israeli detainees safe.
‘We have chosen to stop this, and as of now, we declare that any targeting of our people in their houses without prior notice would result in the execution of one of the civilian hostages we are holding,’ he stated.
Airstrikes on Gaza City were launched today in reaction to Hamas’s surprise attack on Saturday.
In a video statement released Monday, Israel’s foreign minister warned Hamas not to kill any of the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza. Israel, according to Eli Cohen, is dedicated to returning the hostages home ‘in the spirit of reciprocal responsibility.’
‘We urge that Hamas refrain from harming any of the hostages,’ Cohen said. ‘This is a war crime that will not be forgotten,’ he continued.
Since the weekend, Hamas fighters are alleged to have kidnapped dozens of Israelis. They are now reportedly being held in various locations throughout Gaza.
On October 9, the Israel Defense Forces announced that it had carried out over 500 strikes on targets throughout the Gaza Strip overnight. According to Palestinian officials, about 500 people were murdered, including 91 children, and over 2,700 were injured.
This comes after Israel proclaimed a ‘total siege’ on Gaza earlier today, ensuring ‘no electricity, no food, no gasoline’ for the 2.3 million Gaza residents.
Earlier today, the country’s defense minister stated, ‘We are battling human animals, and we behave accordingly.’
In response to Hamas’ attack on Israel, the EU also said today that it will evaluate all of its development aid to the Palestinian territories.
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