Sharjah 24 – Reuters: Hamas has warned it will "neutralise" hostages if Israel attempts a rescue operation similar to one conducted in Gaza’s Nuseirat camp in June.
In an internal statement, Hamas claimed it had intelligence that Israel was planning such an operation and threatened to hold Israel responsible for the hostages' fate. The statement, dated November 22, instructed Hamas operatives not to consider the repercussions of their actions and emphasised that Israel would be accountable for what happens to the captives.
Hamas also ordered its operatives to “tighten” the living conditions of the hostages in line with instructions given after the Nuseirat operation. The statement further outlined that Hamas would activate neutralisation measures as an "immediate and swift response" if Israel attempted any action. This warning follows Israel’s Nuseirat rescue mission on June 9, which freed four hostages but resulted in significant casualties, including more than 200 deaths.
In response to the growing tension, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz indicated that pressure on Hamas was increasing and suggested that this time Israel could make real progress in advancing a hostage deal.
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