Hamas Warns: Captives Will Return in Coffins Due to Zionist Missile Strikes
The military branch of the Palestinian group Hamas has issued a cautionary statement to the families of Israeli captives held in the Gaza Strip, indicating that their loved ones could be at risk due to the persistent bombardment by Israeli forces on the region.
In a video message issued on Tuesday, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades communicated directly with the families, stating that the regime’s continuing campaign in Gaza, described as a war of genocide with numerous indiscriminate assaults across the region, was endangering the lives of captives.
In a recent statement, the militant faction of Hamas issued a grave warning to the families of captives, urging them to brace for tragic outcomes. They indicated that due to actions by the opposing military forces, the captives may soon be returned in coffins, having fallen victim to the ongoing conflict’s devastating consequences. The statement further suggested that a leadership decision has been made regarding the fate of those held in the Gaza Strip, imploring families to prepare for potential burials.
A recent video depicts Hamas fighters returning the bodies of captives who perished in the ongoing conflict.
The announcement followed closely on the heels of Hamas revealing that communication had been lost with the unit responsible for detaining Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander. This occurred amidst intensified Israeli air and ground operations across Gaza.
Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the al-Qassam Brigades, announced that the group of resistance fighters safeguarding the captive may have perished in an Israeli attack. He further indicated that “there is a significant chance that the captive might have also lost their life.”
Hamas has issued multiple warnings that the ongoing brutal attacks are severely compromising their ability to ensure the safety and well-being of those held captive, or even to ascertain their current condition.
Approximately 240 Israeli hostages were taken during Operation al-Aqsa Storm on October 7, 2023, as Gaza’s resistance factions initiated a synchronized counter-offensive in response to years of Israeli occupation and repression.
In the aftermath of the operation, Israeli forces initiated a severe military campaign resulting in the deaths of approximately 51,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, while leaving tens of thousands more injured.
The Israeli administration asserts that its efforts are focused on recovering the hostages; however, its military operations have reportedly placed their lives at risk. There are numerous accounts and evidence suggesting that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of both Palestinian civilians and many of the captives.
Amid increasing pressure, notably from the families of the captives, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted that armed conflict remains the only method for securing the release of the captives. He has announced that military operations will persist until “total victory” is accomplished.
Hamas, having released numerous captives as part of an exchange process, has consistently expressed its readiness to negotiate another exchange. This is contingent upon the regime halting its military operations and lifting the stringent blockade currently imposed on Gaza.
