In a recent interview with CNN, top Hamas official Osama Hamdan made shocking claims regarding the Israeli hostages held by the terrorist group in Gaza. When asked about the number of hostages still alive, Hamdan stated, “No one has any idea.” This contradicts Israel’s belief that more than 70 of the 120 hostages are still alive.
Hamdan also addressed the recent cease-fire proposal rejected by Hamas, which called for the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. He claimed that the proposed deal did not meet Hamas’ demands for a complete withdrawal from Gaza and the lifting of the siege. Hamdan emphasized that Hamas seeks a fair deal for prisoners exchange and the Palestinians’ ability to determine their own future.
However, what was most outrageous was Hamdan’s attempt to shift blame onto Israel for the suffering of the hostages recently rescued by Israeli forces. He suggested that their mental problems were a result of Israel’s actions in Gaza. He even claimed that the hostages came out of Gaza looking better than when they were taken.
Hamdan also expressed no regret for Hamas’ sneak assault on Israel last October, which led to a military campaign and the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. He justified the attack as a reaction against the occupation, placing the blame on Israel.
Furthermore, Hamdan rejected a report in the Wall Street Journal that quoted Hamas’ chief in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, saying that the deaths of Palestinians were “necessary sacrifices.” He dismissed the report as fake messages created to provoke people against Hamas.
The interview with Hamdan coincides with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s accusation that Hamas is responsible for refusing a UN-backed cease-fire proposal. Blinken stated that the proposal is almost identical to one previously put forward by Hamas. However, Hamdan claimed that the proposed deal did not meet Hamas’ demands and reiterated their call for a complete withdrawal from Gaza and the lifting of the siege.
Overall, Hamdan’s statements in the interview reveal the ongoing tensions between Hamas and Israel. His attempts to shift blame and justify Hamas’ actions further highlight the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The lack of concrete information regarding the status of the hostages only adds to the uncertainty and concern surrounding their fate.
