In a recent development, Hamas faced obstacles from Israel while attempting to release 12 foreign captives last week, according to Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the movement’s armed wing.
The Al-Qassam Brigades, affiliated with Hamas, expressed their readiness to release the captives for humanitarian reasons.
However, the situation on the ground and the Israeli attacks posed significant threats to the captives’ lives and impeded the release process.
On October 23, Hamas announced the release of two Israeli captives due to “compelling humanitarian and medical reasons,” facilitated by Egyptian-Qatari mediation.
Despite the intention to release two Israeli captives on humanitarian grounds, the Israeli government declined the offer, as confirmed by Al-Qassam.
Reports from Egyptian media indicated the arrival of two Israeli female prisoners, Nurit Ishak and Yohevid Efshitz, who were held by the Al-Qassam Brigades during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood at the Rafah border crossing.
Hamas disclosed that the Resistance is currently holding captives of various nationalities.
Due to the ongoing Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, it has been challenging to verify the captives’ identities.
Despite the indiscriminate Israeli strikes and shelling on Gaza, Hamas vows to ensure the safety and well-being of the captives. The release efforts, however, face hurdles as Israel continues to obstruct the process.
