Hamas' Al-Qassam Brigades says it has 200-250 Israeli 'prisoners' in captivity

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - The spokesman of the Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, said on Monday that his group and other Palestinian groups are currently holding some 200-250 Israelis in captivity.

Due to days of Israeli airstrikes across Gaza, "22 Israeli prisoners were killed," Abu Obeida said in a video released by his group which was aired on the Hamas-affiliated Al-Aqsa Channel.

Obeida noted that around "200 prisoners" are in his group's captivity while 50 others are in the captivity of other Palestinian groups.

On the foreign captives, Obeida did not give a specific number, citing security concerns, but gave assurances that "all foreign prisoners will be released once conditions in the field allow."

He also called the foreign captives "guests in their hospitality," and apologized for their confinement.

Israeli authorities have yet to comment on the Hamas announcement.

- Israel-Hamas conflict

Ten days into the conflict with Palestinian group Hamas, Israeli bombardment and blockade of the Gaza Strip has continued, with over 1 million people – almost half the total population of Gaza – having been displaced, according to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

Gaza is undergoing a dire humanitarian crisis, with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out, as civilians flee to the south following Israel’s warning to evacuate northern areas.

The fighting began when Hamas on Oct. 7 initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler violence.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip.

Since then the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza has risen to 2,750, including 750 children.

In Israel, 1,300 have been killed.