Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hamas against harming prisoners in its custody, threatening military escalation if any of them are injured.
اضافة اعلان
According to the Times of Israel, Netanyahu said during a press conference: “If they so much as touch a hair on the head of any prisoner, we will pursue them with greater force until the end of their lives, and that end will come much sooner than they think.”
Netanyahu also noted that the detention sites could pose a danger to the prisoners’ lives, a development that has raised widespread concern, including from U.S. President Donald Trump, who emphasized that Hamas “will pay a heavy price” if it uses prisoners as human shields.
Meanwhile, prisoners’ families have intensified pressure on the Israeli government, announcing an open sit-in in front of Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, setting up tents, staying overnight, and holding daily protests. The families accused the prime minister of “sacrificing hostages for political gain.”
According to Israeli media, thousands of protesters gathered outside Netanyahu’s home on Tuesday evening, while hundreds held demonstrations in front of his office.
The number of prisoners in the Gaza Strip is estimated at 48, with Israeli intelligence indicating that only about 20 are believed to still be alive.
--(RT)
