Hamas says Israeli strikes killed 33 hostages in Gaza

(CLO) Hamas announced that 33 hostages it had held in Gaza had been killed since Israel launched its military campaign nearly 14 months ago.

In a video released on December 2, Hamas said the deaths were due to "war criminal stubbornness" and "continuous attacks" by Israel.

Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes in central Gaza. Photo: Abd Elhkeem Khaled/Reuters

Hamas listed the events and dates of these incidents, most of which were caused by airstrikes, others by failed rescue operations by the Israeli army.

According to Hamas, the first incident occurred on October 9, 2023, when an Israeli airstrike killed four hostages. The most recent was a hostage killed during an Israeli military operation in northern Gaza last month.

The video ends with a warning from Hamas: "If you continue this mad war, your hostages may be lost forever. Act before it is too late."

Hamas's statement came as international mediators, including Egypt, Qatar and the United States, stepped up efforts to reach a ceasefire deal to facilitate the release of Israeli hostages.

In parallel, delegations from the two Palestinian political factions Fatah and Hamas met in Cairo to discuss the administration of the Gaza Strip after the war ends.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said: "The two delegations are consulting and negotiating to quickly reach a common agreement on managing day-to-day affairs in Gaza under the full control of the Palestinian Authority (PA)."

The US has expressed its desire for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has previously opposed handing over control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority.

While negotiations continue, Israel has stepped up air strikes on Gaza, targeting Jabalia in the north and Abasan al-Kabira in the south. Northern Gaza has suffered heavy damage after 60 days of siege.

According to the United Nations, Israel's offensive in Gaza, described as "genocide", has killed at least 44,466 Palestinians and injured 105,358 since October 7, 2023.

Meanwhile, Hamas's October 7 massacre attacks on Israel left at least 1,139 people dead and more than 200 hostages taken.

Cao Phong (according to Al Jazeera, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hamas-noi-cac-cuoc-tan-cong-cua-israel-da-giet-chet-33-hostages-o-gaza-post323929.html