In its surprise attack that began on Saturday morning, one of Hamas’ goals was to obtain a large number of prisoners from the Israeli side, which was actually achieved.
However, accurate information about the hostages held by Hamas inside the Gaza Strip, who are of different nationalities, is still not available. Rather, the media, with the help of official sources, are seeking to investigate the truth in this regard.
How many hostages?
It is not known exactly how many people Hamas took hostage last Saturday. The Israeli army announced on Friday that it had informed 120 families of the capture of their children by Hamas, but it did not confirm that this was the full number of hostages. Estimates indicate that the number ranges between 100 and 150 people, according to the Israeli ambassador to the United Nations. The Israeli official said in his interview with CNN, on Monday, that the number is “unprecedented.” Previous hostage-taking operations carried out by Hamas have targeted only a small number of Israelis at a time, usually members of the military. In 2006, the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was negotiated in exchange for the release of more than a thousand Palestinians detained by Israel.
Hamas captures Israelis
How many American hostages?
It is also unclear the exact number of American hostages in Gaza, although the White House said on Wednesday that it was a “very small” number. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said 17 Americans were still missing in Israel. Kirby added: “Of the 17 we know are missing, we believe the number we know or believe are being held hostage is very small… but this may change over time.”
What did Israel say?
Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday that his country will not allow basic resources or humanitarian aid to enter Gaza until Hamas releases the hostages it captured. “Humanitarian aid for Gaza? No switch will be turned, no water tap will open, and no fuel truck will enter until the kidnapped Israelis return home,” Katz explained.
Are the hostages in danger?
Hamas threatened that it might kill hostages if Israel continued its air strikes on Gaza “without warning.” A Hamas official stated: “Any targeting of civilian homes without prior warning will unfortunately be met with the execution of one of the hostages.” The location of the hostages is unknown and may change from time to time, which means that a “possible ground attack” could put them in danger, according to the American website “The Hill.” Hamas announced more than once that some hostages were killed in the Israeli raids that have been ongoing for days on the Gaza Strip.
What are the options for releasing the hostages?
Hamas said it seeks the release of Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons in exchange for the release of prisoners. Both sides say it is too early to negotiate the release of the hostages.
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2023-10-13 08:41:50
