Israel-Gaza War: As the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians entered its third day, the Hamas group on Monday threatened to execute captives if the Israeli army carried out air strikes without prior warning targeting residents of the Gaza Strip.
The spokesman for the Hamas armed wing, Abu Ubaida, said they have been acting in accordance with Islamic instructions by keeping the Israeli captives safe and sound, blaming the intended move on Israel's stepped-up bombing and killing of civilians inside their homes in air strikes without warning them, news agency Reuters reported.
Nearly 1,300 people have been killed and thousands wounded on both sides after the Hamas group, which controls the Gaza Strips, launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, crossing into southern Israel by land, sea, and air.
Over 500 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air strikes on the blockaded enclave since Saturday, the Gaza Health Ministry said. (Image credit: Reuters)
Amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the health ministry in Gaza said that dozens of Palestinians were killed and injured as a result of Israeli airstrikes on the Jabalia refugee camp on Monday. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, since Saturday, Israeli airstrikes on the blockaded region have killed over 500 Palestinians.
This followed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a "war state" and asserted that his country would extract an "unprecedented price" from its enemy. Taking significant military steps in response to the Hamas attack, Israel's defence minister on Monday ordered a "complete siege" on the Gaza Strip, saying authorities would cut electricity and block the entry of food and fuel.
Meanwhile, in a fresh development, a top Hamas official said that the organisation is willing to talk with Israel about a potential cease-fire because it "achieved its targets."
(With Inputs From Agencies)