Hamas issued a stark warning against further Israeli rescue operations, threatening to “neutralize” its hostages if such actions occur. The threat came in an internal statement dated November 22, obtained by Reuters, and disseminated by the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing.
The statement instructed operatives to worsen the living conditions of captives in accordance with guidelines introduced after Israel’s June 9 raid on Gaza’s Nuseirat camp. That operation successfully freed four hostages but resulted in over 200 Palestinian deaths, according to local officials, marking it as one of the conflict’s deadliest incidents.
Hamas warned its operatives not to consider the consequences of implementing these measures, instead holding Israel accountable for the hostages’ fate. Specific details about when another Israeli operation might occur were not included.
On Wednesday, Israeli media quoted Defense Minister Israel Katz, who expressed optimism about advancing a hostage deal while affirming the escalating pressure on Hamas. Israeli officials have not formally responded to the Hamas statement.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led forces attacked Israeli towns, killing over 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. The Israeli military responded with a large-scale offensive in Gaza, which has since killed over 44,500 Palestinians, according to local reports. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble amid ongoing airstrikes.
Hamas’ recent statement reflects heightened tensions as negotiations over hostages remain fraught with uncertainty.
