Hamas Claims Israeli Military Killed Its Captured Soldiers Amidst Ceasefire Agreement
Hamas accuses Israel of responsibility in the deaths of its soldiers during ongoing negotiations for the release of Israeli remains.
The Palestinian militant group Hamas announced on February 20, 2025, that it held the Israeli military responsible for the deaths of its soldiers, alleging that the Israeli forces bombed their detention locations.
This statement comes ahead of the planned return of the remains of four Israeli soldiers as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
In a statement released prior to the transfer of the Israeli remains, Hamas emphasized that it had adhered to the dignity and respect of the deceased during the negotiations, contrasting this with its claims of neglect for the lives of their own soldiers.
Hamas asserted that the Israeli military had disregarded the well-being of these captives at the hands of their captors, alleging that its forces intentionally targeted their holding sites.
The organization stated, "The Israeli army killed its soldiers while being held captive, and their government bears the responsibility for obstructing the exchange agreement multiple times."
Hamas criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to him as "criminal," accusing him of publicly lamenting the deaths of the soldiers as a diversion to shirk accountability before his constituents.
The statement included a message directed at the families of two Israeli children, asserting, "We would have preferred the return of your sons alive, but your leaders chose to kill them alongside 17,881 Palestinian children."
Hamas reiterated its position that prisoner exchange negotiations represent the only viable path to securing the return of living captives, arguing that any attempts to recover them through force or resurgence of conflict would only result in further losses.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is set to receive the remains of the Israeli soldiers today at the Martyrs' Cemetery in the Bani Suheila area, located in southern Gaza.
Since January 19, 2025, a ceasefire agreement has been in effect, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States.
The agreement outlines three phases, each lasting 42 days, but Israel has reportedly delayed the commencement of negotiations for the second phase.
This statement comes ahead of the planned return of the remains of four Israeli soldiers as part of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
In a statement released prior to the transfer of the Israeli remains, Hamas emphasized that it had adhered to the dignity and respect of the deceased during the negotiations, contrasting this with its claims of neglect for the lives of their own soldiers.
Hamas asserted that the Israeli military had disregarded the well-being of these captives at the hands of their captors, alleging that its forces intentionally targeted their holding sites.
The organization stated, "The Israeli army killed its soldiers while being held captive, and their government bears the responsibility for obstructing the exchange agreement multiple times."
Hamas criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to him as "criminal," accusing him of publicly lamenting the deaths of the soldiers as a diversion to shirk accountability before his constituents.
The statement included a message directed at the families of two Israeli children, asserting, "We would have preferred the return of your sons alive, but your leaders chose to kill them alongside 17,881 Palestinian children."
Hamas reiterated its position that prisoner exchange negotiations represent the only viable path to securing the return of living captives, arguing that any attempts to recover them through force or resurgence of conflict would only result in further losses.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is set to receive the remains of the Israeli soldiers today at the Martyrs' Cemetery in the Bani Suheila area, located in southern Gaza.
Since January 19, 2025, a ceasefire agreement has been in effect, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States.
The agreement outlines three phases, each lasting 42 days, but Israel has reportedly delayed the commencement of negotiations for the second phase.
