The spokesman for Hamas’s Al-Qassam Brigades, Abu Obeida, on Monday, said that the group took captive between 200 and 250 people and that they are ready to release all foreigners without conditions.
Obeida has said that Hamas and other factions are holding captives from various nationalities.
The spokesperson said that when the captives were taken, the fighters did not know their background and that they would be released when “circumstances allow”.
He added that 200 are being held with the group while the rest are with various factions. Abu Obeida said the captives are being treated well and by “the Islamic faith”.
The recorded statement comes as the Israel military said 199 people have been taken hostage in Gaza by Hamas.
“We confirm that Israel’s air strikes have led to the killing of 22 captives,” he said.
Meanwhile, a video released by Qassam shows 21-year-old captive Mia Shim being treated for her wounds, including a video appeal she made in Hebrew.
Shim said that she was treated well and was desperate to come home.
