The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, issued a statement warning that captives held in Gaza would be returned to Israel “in coffins” if Israeli military pressure continues. This statement comes two days after the bodies of six captives were recovered from a Gaza tunnel by Israeli forces. The Qassam Brigades also mentioned that new instructions had been given to fighters guarding the captives in case Israeli troops approach.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the six captives whose bodies were recovered had been “executed” by Hamas. Protests over the deaths continued in Israel, with demonstrators blaming Netanyahu’s government for not reaching a ceasefire deal with Hamas that could have led to the captives being returned alive.
Despite public anger and protests in Israel, experts believe that Netanyahu’s focus on personal and political interests over the release of the captives is hindering progress in reaching a deal. US President Joe Biden also criticized Netanyahu for not doing enough to secure a deal for the release of the captives.
Hamas wants an agreement to end the war and remove Israeli forces from Gaza, while Netanyahu insists that the war can only end once Hamas is defeated. Former Israeli ambassador Alon Pinkas stated that Netanyahu’s reluctance to engage in a deal has contributed to the current situation.
As tensions continue to rise, the international community is calling for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza and the release of captives held by Hamas. It remains to be seen whether a ceasefire agreement can be reached to end the violence and bring stability to the region.
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