Hamas warns Israel: Captives could return in coffins if military pressure continues
Abu Obeida, the spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas Movement, issued a stern warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.
Obeida stated that Netanyahu's insistence on using military pressure rather than negotiating a prisoner exchange deal would result in Israeli captives being "returned to their families in coffins."
Abu Obeida further revealed that new directives have been given to guards managing captives, instructing them on how to respond if Israeli forces approach detention sites in Gaza. He placed the blame for the recent deaths of six captives on Netanyahu, accusing him of blocking a potential ceasefire deal.
As the conflict in Gaza reached its 332nd day, Israeli aerial and artillery strikes continued to bombard various areas of the besieged territory, leading to further civilian casualties. According to a statement from the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 48 Palestinians were killed, and 70 others were wounded in the past 24 hours.
The ongoing Israeli assault, which began on October 7, has resulted in a death toll of 40,786 Palestinians, with 94,224 more injured, according to the ministry. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, prompting urgent calls for international intervention. (ILKHA)