The Hamas terror group warns that Israeli troops are “besieging” an area in the Gaza Strip where hostage Matan Zangauker is being held.
“We affirm that the enemy will not be able to recover him alive. We have preserved his life for 20 months; if this prisoner is killed during an attempt to free him, the occupation army will be the one responsible for his death,” says Hudhaifa Kahlout — known by the nom de guerre Abu Obeida — the spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades.
“This is a final warning,” he adds.
Hamas has previously said it will execute hostages if Israeli troops are seen approaching areas where they are being held. In August 2024, Hamas murdered six hostages in Rafah as Israeli forces were operating nearby.
Military officials have repeatedly said that every strike and ground operation in Gaza is carefully planned out in order not to endanger Israeli hostages.
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