Amid stalled negotiations over the continuation of the hostage deal and the conflicting demands between Israel and Hamas regarding either extending Phase I or transitioning to Phase II, Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, issued a threat Thursday evening. He warned that any escalation by Israel or a return to fighting would result in the deaths of hostages held by Hamas.
Abu Obaida claimed Hamas is "prepared for any scenario" and stated that the organization "committed to the world and the mediators to uphold the terms of the cease-fire and the exchange of prisoners. Despite all of Israel's attempts to evade the agreement, we chose to continue honoring it." He went on to accuse Israel of attempting to avoid fulfilling the stages of the agreement, saying: "The enemy leadership is trying to evade the deal, seeking American cover to carry out aggression against our people." (Read More)
