The Hamas leadership has claimed it has what it takes to free all Palestinian prisoners in Israel's jail and hinted that it might use Israeli hostages as bargaining chips for the release of Palestinian prisoners, Reuters reported.
Hamas official Khaled Meshaal made the comments but added that the non-Israelis kidnapped by the group were "guests" who would be released "when circumstances allow".
As the war with Israel escalated, Hamas also threatened Israel with executing hostages. According to Israel's military, the group held 199 hostages in Gaza but Hamas said it has between 200 and 250.
Seeking the release of the Palestinian prisoners, Hamas said it had "what it needs to empty the prisons of all prisoners".
The non-Israeli hostages held by Hamas are believed to be nationals of countries including Thailand and Germany. The hostages also include Israelis with dual citizenship in countries including the US.
Hamas armed wing spokesperson Abu Obeida said in a video message that Hamas has "a group of detainees of different nationalities, these are our guests and we seek to protect them."
Without elaborating further, he added. "We will release detainees of different nationalities when circumstances on the ground allow."
Another senior Hamas official, Moussa Abu Marzouk said, "Foreign prisoners cannot be released due to the continued Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip."
The crisis between Israel and Hamas has worsened rapidly with rising death toll on both sides. On Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in extensive talks with Israel's war cabinet on Monday and sought shelter in a bunker for five minutes during air raid sirens.
With international attention on the escalating sitution in the region, efforts are underway to prevent the conflict from spilling over into Lebanon, where Hezbollah, backed by Iran, have been exchanging fire with Israel across the border, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, Israel has also warned Iran not to get involved in the conflict.