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Gaza, 7 March 2025 – The radical Islamist group Hamas has threatened to kill some of its hostages if Israel resumes hostilities in the Gaza Strip. This was stated by the group’s representative Abu Ubaida in a video message published on 6 March.
“Any escalation of aggression against the Palestinian people will lead to the execution of a number of abductees,” he said, threatening consequences in response to a potential resumption of the Israeli operation.
According to Israeli authorities, Hamas is holding at least 24 hostages and 35 bodies. Among the prisoners are a young soldier with dual Israeli-German citizenship and a Thai citizen.
Previously released hostages have repeatedly testified to ill-treatment by Hamas and other groups in Gaza. The families of those who remain in captivity are sounding the alarm, as they say the time to rescue their captives is rapidly running out.
The ceasefire is in danger of breaking down
The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ended on 1 March, but no agreement has been reached on its extension.
The Israeli authorities have publicly stated that they are ready to resume hostilities and increase military pressure on Hamas if the group does not fulfil the demands for the release of the remaining hostages.
Tensions are rising in the region as negotiations have stalled and radical statements by Hamas are pushing the situation to another escalation.
The international community is calling on the parties to find a compromise and avoid breaking the ceasefire, which would save the lives of the hostages and prevent a new wave of violence.
