Hamas reports loss of contact with members guarding Israeli captives

CAIRO - 19 November 2023: Hamas announced on Saturday evening that its communication with certain squads responsible for guarding Israeli prisoners has been severed due to Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.

Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, stated in a press release that the status of the prisoners and detainees is currently unknown, but no further details were provided.

In recent weeks, the Israeli military has intensified its airstrikes on the besieged Palestinian enclave, which is under Hamas rule. The objective is to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of approximately 240 hostages taken to Gaza during the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel.

Israel has been launching retaliatory attacks on Gaza following the Hamas attack. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 11,500 Palestinians in Gaza.

Last week, Al-Qassam, the armed wing of Hamas, informed Qatari mediators that they are prepared to release approximately 70 women and children currently held in Gaza. This offer is contingent upon a five-day truce.

Israel has been rejecting any truce or ceasefire agreements, vowing to “continue to act until Hamas is destroyed and the hostages are returned.”