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Hamas is threatening to execute hostages and broadcast the executions if Israel launches airstrikes on civilian homes in Gaza without warning. This follows the militant group’s surprise attack on southern Israel, where its fighters killed and captured numerous people.
The threat was issued as Israel continues to search for more than 100 people, including American citizens, who are believed to have been taken captive in Gaza. In response to the attack, Israeli forces have launched massive airstrikes on the densely populated territory, targeting Hamas.
How Many Hostages Were Taken?
Israeli authorities estimate that between 100 and 150 hostages are being held in Gaza, a number Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan called “unprecedented.”
Most captives are believed to be held by Hamas, but another group, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, claims it is holding over 30 people.
Officials have not yet released a public list of the hostages. The Israeli military has contacted the families of 50 hostages to update them on the situation, while many other families are using social media to search for information on their missing loved ones.
Where Are the Hostages Being Held?
The exact locations are unknown. Hamas’s military wing stated it moved captured Israeli soldiers and officers to “safe locations and in the resistance’s tunnels.” Gaza has a large network of underground tunnels that Israel has described as a “vast underground city.”
Many hostages were taken from the Tribe of Nova music festival near Gaza, while others were captured from Israeli border towns during the attack.
Are American Citizens Among the Hostages?
Yes, President Biden has stated it is “likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas.” U.S. officials are working with Israel on the hostage crisis, sharing intelligence and expertise.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken also reaffirmed U.S. efforts to secure the immediate release of all hostages.
In addition to the hostages, at least 11 American citizens have been killed in the conflict, along with several foreign nationals from France, Thailand, and Nepal.
Hamas’s Threat to Execute Hostages
Hamas has explicitly threatened to execute a civilian hostage for every Israeli airstrike on a residential building in Gaza that occurs “without prior warning.”
A spokesperson for Hamas’s military wing, Abu Obaida, said that Israel’s retaliatory strikes forced the group to make this threat, abandoning a previous commitment to keep the captives alive.
What Are Hamas’s Demands for Release?
Hamas has stated that a complete stop to the fighting is a precondition for any negotiations over the hostages’ release. “We will not exchange or negotiate on the file of the hostages while under fire,” said spokesperson Abu Obaida.
He referred to the hostage situation as a “strategic file” for which Israel will have to “pay the price.”
While reports suggested Qatar was mediating negotiations for a prisoner swap, an Israeli official has denied that any talks are underway. In the past, Israel has released large numbers of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for its own captives.