Islamic Jihad and Hamas Threaten Over 130 Hostages if Gaza Siege Persists

In a dire development, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas have declared that they are holding hostages, numbering at least 30 and 100, respectively. They have issued a chilling warning to Israel, stating that these hostages' lives will be forfeit if the Gaza siege is not brought to an immediate halt.

Demand for Ceasefire

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad al-Quds Brigades, echoing the threats made by Hamas, urged Israel to stop targeting safe houses and killing civilians in Gaza if they wish to secure the safety of the hostages. Abu Hamza of the Islamic Jihad conveyed this message in a statement, drawing a historical parallel by referring to Ron Arad, an Israeli Air Force Navigator who went missing over four decades ago.

Ron Arad Reference

Ron Arad's fate remains unknown to this day. He crashed his fighter plane in Lebanon in 1986, was captured by a local Shiite Amal terrorist group, and subsequently handed over to Hezbollah. It was only in June 2008, after 22 years of uncertainty, that he was declared dead by the Iran-backed terrorist group.

Hamas Issues Similar Warning

Hamas, in a separate statement, echoed these ominous threats, warning that civilian hostages would be executed without warning, and the killings would be broadcast if Israel continued to attack people residing in the Gaza Strip. The number of hostages held by Hamas allegedly exceeds 100, including Israeli army officers.

Escalation of Conflict

The ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict, which initiated with a surprise attack on southern Israeli cities, has inflicted a devastating toll. Over 900 people in Israel and 680 Palestinians have lost their lives in the violence.

Israeli Response

In response to the escalating conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning, pledging to unleash an unprecedented force against Hamas. He acknowledged that difficult days lie ahead for Israel.

Humanitarian Concerns

Furthermore, Israel has halted the supply of electricity, food, water, and fuel to the Palestinian coastal enclave, exacerbating humanitarian concerns.

International Impact

This conflict has had international repercussions, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 American citizens, twelve Thai citizens, 10 Nepalis, two Ukrainians, two French nationals, and one British citizen.

The situation remains highly volatile, with regional and global stakeholders closely monitoring developments in the region.

Also Read: Hamas’ ‘Worst Massacre’ Claims 700 Lives, Leaves 2,300 Injured: Israeli Defence Force(IDF)

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