Khaled Mashaal says hostages will not be released before end of war

Former Hamas politburo head Khaled Mashaal says that Israeli hostages will remain captive until Israel halts hostilities, withdraws its troops from Gaza, allows displaced civilians to return to their homes, and ends a blockade on the Strip, saying the terror group will not budge but indicating it is continuing to negotiate with Israel.

Speaking at a women’s event in Jordan, Mashaal says that Hamas is waging a “negotiating battle that is no less fierce” than its armed fight to achieve a halt of the Israeli “aggression.” He seems to imply that the group is preparing for an intensification of Israeli operations at the end of Ramadan, saying there are “threats” looming at the end of the holy Muslim month.

Mashaal says Hamas will keep on fighting on the ground, and urges Muslims around the world to support the struggle so that “their blood will mix with the blood of the people of Palestine.” He also calls for financial donations for the people of Gaza.