Reports claim that the terrorist group Hamas, which is backed by Iran, warned on Sunday no hostage would leave Gaza alive unless it was given additional aid.
The Israeli Times reported that Abu Obeida said, “Neither the fascist enemies and their arrogant leaders… nor its followers… can take the prisoners alive without an agreement and exchange of information and by meeting the demands from the resistance.”
Israel and Hamas signed a temporary ceasefire agreement that went into effect on November 24. During this time, the terrorist group released 110 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. After both sides claimed the other had violated its terms, the truce ended on November 30 and fighting began.
According to the Israeli government, Hamas terrorists abducted more than 240 Israelis and other nationals to Gaza, where they overran the border, killing 1,200 people.
Israel responded by launching a bombing campaign as well as ground operations to eliminate the terrorist group.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, called on Hamas fighters Sunday to surrender.
In an on-camera Hebrew statement, Netanyahu stated that “dozens of Hamas terrorists surrendered to our forces in recent days.” They are handing over their weapons to our brave fighters.
The prime minister said, “It’ll take some time. The war is in full gear, but this is just the beginning for Hamas.” “I tell the Hamas terrorists that it is over. Don’t die for Sinwar. Surrender, now.”
Netanyahu’s office announced Sunday that Hamas still held 117 hostages, as well as 20 bodies of people who were killed during or in captivity on Oct. 7. The militants want to trade them for a large number of Palestinians held by Israel.