The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has rebuffed Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim that only “dozens” of Israelis have been taken captive in the ongoing operation against the regime.
In a recorded message aired shortly after midnight on Sunday, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Gaza Strip-based movement’s military wing, al-Qassam Brigades, presented a differing account.
“Today, you spoke of dozens of prisoners, but we assure you, Netanyahu, that the number of your captives far exceeds this count. You must keep better track of your soldiers,” Ubaida firmly stated. He continued, “These prisoners are dispersed throughout all areas of Gaza, and they share in the experiences of our people in the Gaza Strip.”
The Palestinian resistance fighters have apprehended a substantial number of Israeli forces and settlers since the commencement of Operation al-Aqsa Storm on early Saturday. This operation marks the most significant effort by Palestinian resistance groups against the occupying regime in years. It is characterized by intensive rocket barrages and surprise attacks by resistance fighters on Israeli forces and settlers within the occupied territories.
As of now, the operation has resulted in the loss of approximately 300 Israeli lives, with thousands more sustaining injuries, including hundreds in critical condition.
Leaders of the resistance view this operation as a definitive response to the continuous campaign of violence and devastation perpetuated by the Israeli regime against the Palestinian people.
In response to Netanyahu’s recent statements in which he threatened to employ all means to destroy the military capabilities of both Hamas and the Islamic Jihad movement, Abu Ubaida addressed the Israeli leader’s remarks, highlighting the deep crisis within the Israeli establishment. He remarked, “Threatening Gaza is a futile endeavor.”
Directing his message to Netanyahu, Abu Ubaida continued, “You threaten us with any army, but remember your soldiers who fled like locusts in the face of Qassam fighters, leaving everything behind in their haste.”
Source: Al-Manar English Website