During its lethal attack on southern Israel on October 7, Hamas apprehended approximately 210 individuals who are currently detained in undisclosed sites within Gaza.
During its deadly assault in southern Israel on October 7, Hamas captured approximately 210 individuals who are currently being held in undisclosed locations within Gaza. Hamas has stated that it made an offer to release two Israelis who were captured during the raid, but the Israeli government declined to accept them. Israel has dismissed this claim as “mendacious propaganda”. Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for Hamas’s armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, informed the mediator Qatar about the group’s plan to release the Israelis on Friday, coinciding with the liberation of Americans Judith Tai Ranaan and her daughter Natalie.
Yesterday evening, our Qatari brothers were duly informed that Nourit Yitshaq and Yokhefed Lifshitz would be released for humanitarian reasons, without any expectations of reciprocation. Regrettably, the Israeli occupation government has declined to accept their release, as stated by Obeida on Telegram last Saturday.
Following the deadly assault by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, approximately 210 individuals have been captured and are currently being held in undisclosed locations within Gaza. In response, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a concise statement, affirming their commitment to combat the dissemination of false propaganda by Hamas. Furthermore, they reiterated their unwavering determination to employ all available means to ensure the safe return of all kidnapped and missing individuals to their homes.
Qatar, the mediator for Friday’s release, has refrained from commenting on the matter. Obeida, in a subsequent statement, confirmed that Hamas remains committed to releasing the two individuals on Sunday, utilizing the same protocols employed during the release of the American citizens.
According to Hamas spokesman Khaled al-Qaddoumi, the Israeli government’s commitment to the release of the captives is being questioned. Al-Qaddoumi stated that Hamas had proposed transferring the captives who are in dire humanitarian condition to their families for purely humanitarian purposes. However, he expressed disappointment as the Israeli government declined to accept them, indicating a lack of seriousness on their part.
