Hamas has issued warnings against any Israeli attempts to rescue hostages, claiming it has intelligence on plans for an operation akin to Israel’s June raid in Gaza’s Nuseirat camp.
According to a statement dated November 22 and seen by Reuters, Hamas threatened to "neutralize" captives if such an operation occurred. The group also held Israel accountable for the hostages’ safety.
The statement, reportedly distributed by the intelligence unit of Hamas’s Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades, lacked specifics on the timing of any alleged Israeli plans. It instructed operatives to disregard the potential consequences of its orders, emphasizing strict adherence.
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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz was cited by local media, stating that pressure on Hamas was intensifying and expressing optimism about advancing a hostage deal. However, Israel has not officially responded to Hamas’s statement.
The June 9 Nuseirat operation, during which Israeli forces rescued four hostages held by Hamas since October 2023, resulted in significant casualties. Palestinian officials reported over 200 fatalities, making it one of the conflict's deadliest events.
In its latest directive, Hamas ordered its operatives to tighten conditions for hostages, in line with instructions issued post-Nuseirat, and prepare to execute "neutralization orders" immediately in response to any Israeli action.
The current conflict began after Hamas-led fighters launched an attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israel. Since then, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has caused widespread destruction, with Palestinian authorities reporting over 44,500 deaths and countless injuries.
