In a concerning escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, has issued a threat to execute Israeli captives if Israel continues its bombardment and targeting of civilians in Gaza. Abu Obeida, a spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, stated that any attack on innocent civilians without warning would lead to regretful executions of captives in their custody. This threat comes amidst the ongoing military airstrikes conducted by Israel on Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army radio has reported that military operations in Gaza will persist, even if they endanger the lives of Israeli captives. The Israeli military emphasised its commitment to powerful and widespread attacks on Hamas targets, while acknowledging that it would refrain from targeting locations with accurate intelligence about captive Israelis.
Internationally, efforts to mitigate the situation are underway. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan affirmed that the United States is actively engaging with partners to issue warnings against taking advantage of the situation. Sullivan also reiterated President Joe Biden’s unwavering support for Israel and held discussions with Israeli officials to determine next steps. The US government is also focused on locating missing US citizens.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been actively involved in urging restraint and de-escalation. He has communicated with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, cautioning against indiscriminate attacks on Gaza. Erdogan also engaged with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, expressing Turkey’s extensive efforts to halt the cycle of violence.
Reports indicate that the West Bank has witnessed an increase in settler attacks, particularly in villages near Nablus. The situation turned violent in Duma, where an Israeli soldier shot a Palestinian man with live rounds while settlers set cars ablaze and attacked local farmers. In Einabus, another village near Nablus, two Palestinians were shot with live ammunition, and tear gas caused the evacuation of 12 individuals.
Paramedics and officials on the ground have described the distressing scenes in the affected areas. Mustafa Shehadeh, a paramedic working in the villages south of Nablus, recounted a harrowing incident where Israeli settlers attacked the home of Radar Deif, torching parts of the property and his car. Despite attempts to provide assistance, the Israeli army obstructed paramedics from evacuating those in need, including a 6-year-old girl with asthma. Settlers further targeted the paramedics with stones, while tear gas affected numerous villagers, with ambulances facing obstacles in providing immediate evacuation.
