Abu Ubaida, Hamas’s armed wing spokesman, declared Israel will never recover the hostages it took during an Oct. 7 attack against it, in which 1,200 were killed – some hostages holding dual nationality such as Americans as well as citizens from Brazil, Mexico and Thailand.
On Tuesday, a woman who spent one week in captivity took to social media and issued an open plea to Israel’s War Cabinet: return the captives immediately as those still held are living on borrowed time.
Hamas threatens hostages
“Neither the fascist enemy and its arrogant leadership…nor their supporters can take our hostages alive without exchanging, negotiating and agreeing to our demands of resistance,” stated Abu Obeida of Hamas’ armed wing.
Israel has unleashed an air campaign retaliation against Hamas’ deadly attack, which killed nearly 900 people and wounded nearly 49,000 others – including over 234 children – last weekend, leaving entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and thousands displaced from their homes.
US administration support of Israel’s response against Hamas has come under increased scrutiny. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Qatar Sunday and urged all parties to take measures that protect civilians. Blinken believes it’s “imperative” for Israel to carry out military operations in Gaza but believes they should be followed up with “a durable peace” leading to the formation of a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu says group’s end is near
As heavy fighting continued around Gaza City, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Hamas will not survive this war. Speaking alongside centrist opposition leader Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Netanyahu stated: “We are fighting a vicious enemy who surpasses even ISIS in its brutality.”
White House officials have come under scrutiny for supporting Israel’s military operation in Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken appeared on multiple Sunday morning news shows to defend America’s veto of a ceasefire resolution at the UN, and argue it was in America’s interest to ensure Hamas is eliminated.
Blinken acknowledged criticism that Israel bypassed Congress to support their campaign, with some commentators noting the inhumane ratio between civilian deaths and Hamas fighter deaths as callous and avoidable.
Israel would never release prisoners with their blood on them, according to him, adding that Palestinian prisoners have already surrendered in recent days; many more are expected. Netanyahu warned the world is witnessing “the beginning of Hamas’ end,” as more than 12 civilians have been held hostage since October 7.
Hamas’s spokesman warns Israel must release more prisoners
Abu Obeida, Hamas’s official spokesperson, claimed on the Telegram channel of Hamas’ military wing on Sunday that Israel’s fascist enemy and its arrogant leadership could not take their captives alive without exchanging, negotiating and agreeing to resistance demands. He spoke via voice messaging.
He said those still held by Israeli captivity are living on borrowed time, lamenting “All day they lie on their beds and need glasses or hearing aids that were stolen from them. He called on humanitarian groups to intervene to assist these prisoners of conscience.
Israel plans to release prisoners soon and one of their mothers, Maysa Ayyash, has told Al Jazeera she plans on doing all she can to boost their morale. Ayyash thinks the International Committee of the Red Cross should investigate Israel’s treatment of 18-year-old Mohammad, whom she notes must wear a gag and cannot talk openly about his experience while held prisoner.
Netanyahu’s meeting with hostages
Israel’s prime minister met with family members of 138 hostages still being held by Hamas for an emotional encounter in order to provide clarity regarding government efforts to secure their release.
Hostages themselves provided horrifying details about their ordeal in captivity; one woman recounted how her 12-year-old son Eitan was brutalized by residents in Gaza when he arrived there after fleeing Kibbutz Be’eri; while another mother claimed her rabbi husband had been tortured.
Many of the families were highly critical of Netanyahu, with some accusing him of creating an unnecessary farce with this meeting. It ended in discordant fashion, with several relatives walking out during this heated exchange.
At this meeting, there was an animated exchange between Netanyahu and national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a right-wing politician who supports annexeing parts of the West Bank and pushing legislation that allows Israeli citizens to be executed for terror-related offenses.
Ben-Gvir is often seen as an impediment to hostage families who perceive that his presence poses risk to their loved ones.