Amidst Gaza Ceasefire Discussions, Hamas Executes One Israeli Hostage

Aug. 12, 2024, 7:56 p.m.

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As negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages are scheduled for later this week, Hamas, on Monday, fatally injured one hostage held in captivity.

During the Hamas-led assault on October 7, 2023, the militant group abducted approximately 250 Israelis and other citizens, forcibly relocating them to Gaza as hostages. While approximately 100 were released during a brief truce last year and four were rescued by Israeli forces, an estimated 100 remain captive in Gaza.

Advertisement Hamas has now announced the killing of one hostage, according to a statement released by the terrorist organization.

The United States, working alongside mediators Qatar and Egypt, has urged Israel and Hamas to meet on Thursday to finalize a ceasefire agreement for Gaza and the release of all hostages. This proposed deal aligns with a three-phase plan put forth by US President Joe Biden in May, which has been the subject of several weeks of negotiations.

Hamas kills 1 hostage, harms 2 others

In a statement issued on Monday, Hamas reported that they had killed an Israeli hostage and inflicted injuries on two other female hostages in separate incidents, as reported by AFP.

“In two separate incidents, two recruits assigned to guard enemy prisoners fired at a Zionist prisoner, killing him immediately, and also injured two female prisoners critically,” said Hamas spokesperson Abu Obeida in a statement carried by the news agency.

Hamas, just like its backer Iran, used the term Zionist Entity for Israel and calls Israelis Zionists as it opposes the Israel’s right to exists. Just like Iran, Hamas is committed to the destruction of the State of Israel.

The Hamas statement did not identify the murdered hostage. It said that “attempts are being made to save the lives” of the two women it harmed.

Even after Hamas announced the death of the captive, the Israeli military released a statement that they haven't been able to confirm or deny the claim.

Hamas holds Israel responsible for the death of the captive.

Following the death of the captive, Hamas placed the blame on Israel.

Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida said Israeli “massacres” were responsible for the hostage’s killing, according to Reuters.

“The enemy government [Israel] bears full responsibility for these massacres and the resulting reactions that affect the lives of Zionist prisoners,” said Abu Ubaida, as per the news agency.

Abu Ubaida further declared that Hamas has established a committee to investigate the death of the captive.