Hamas spokesperson vows to identify by name any hostage killed in strikes; accuses Israel of trying to reduce the number of living captives and warns terror group is ready to kidnap more. The spokesman for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Obaida, said Friday that Israeli plans to seize Gaza City could put hostages’ lives at risk. He said the Israeli government and military are responsible for the hostages’ fate, and warned that “any hostage killed in strikes will be identified by name and photo.” He added that Hamas will “keep the hostages as much as possible” alongside its terrorists.
Abu Obaida also claimed Israel intends “to halve the number of living hostages and conceal most of the bodies of the dead.” He warned that the Israeli military “will pay in the blood of its soldiers” and raised the possibility of further abductions. He said Hamas terrorists “are on high alert and morale is strong, and they will teach the intruders harsh lessons.”
The statement came hours after the IDF and the Shin Bet announced that remains of two deceased hostages had been returned to Israel following an operation in central Gaza. The remains include those of Ilan Weiss, 55, from Kibbutz Be’eri, who was abducted along with his wife Shiri and daughter Noga, and another deceased hostage whose identity has not yet been released.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the remains are being identified at the Forensic Medicine Institute and that families have been notified. Forty-eight hostages remain in Hamas custody. While Hamas threatens the hostages’ lives, Israel is preparing for a Gaza operation that includes expanding humanitarian aid and planning for the mass evacuation of Gaza City residents to southern Gaza. The IDF said the measures are carried out under political leadership directives and involve the creation of additional distribution sites for food and aid. Once complete, five centers will serve hundreds of thousands of residents who need to leave the city.
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