A day after Hamas militants threatened to execute civilian captives if Israel targets Gaza without warning, an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson on Tuesday stated that killing hostages "will not make things better." On Monday, the military arm of the Palestinian group Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, warned declaring its intention to execute Israeli hostages in response to what it claims are indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes on civilian areas in the Gaza Strip.
Qassam Brigades' spokesperson Abu Obeida conveyed the menacing message in an audio statement, the Associated Press reported. He asserted that this drastic measure was a direct reaction to the relentless aerial bombardments carried out by the Israeli military in residential zones.
Obeida stated, "We have decided to put an end to this, and as of now, we declare that any targeting of our people in their homes without prior warning will be regrettably faced with the execution of one of the hostages we are holding", as quoted by AP.
Reacting to this, as per CNN, IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht said, "If they harm one of these grandmothers or one of these babies or one of these children, it will not make things better and they know it."
Earlier, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen responded to this ominous threat with a video statement and urged Hamas to refrain from harming the hostages currently held in Gaza. Cohen emphasised Israel's unwavering commitment to bringing these individuals home, saying "the spirit of mutual responsibility".
"We will defeat terror. We have no other choice. We demand Hamas not to harm any of the hostages. Their safety is their responsibility. This war crime will not be forgiven," Cohen said.
Authorities in Israel believe a total of 150 captives are being held by Hamas militants in Gaza including women and children. Hamas has also claimed it is holding over 100 hostages, that include high-ranking Israeli army officers.