Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed four Israelis held captive in the city, Hamas has said.
Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes after Hamas terrorists slaughtered at least 250 civilians and took dozens of hostages in Gaza in a major surprise assault that left the country reeling.
Bombing carried out overnight and earlier on Monday has reportedly resulted in the deaths of four Israelis who were being held captive.
“The bombardment overnight and today on the Gaza Strip led to the killing of four of the enemy’s captives and their captors,” said Abu Ubaida, spokesman of the Hamas armed wing.
Israeli defence minister: ‘I ordered a complete siege on Gaza’
“I ordered a full siege on the Gaza Strip. No power, no food, no gas, everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we act accordingly,” the Israeli defence minister has reportedly said.
Hamas has threatened to kill hostages and broadcast the images if the Israeli army carries out airstrikes without warning the residents of the Gaza Strip it is targeting.
Benjamin Netanyahu – ‘Hamas will go through difficult and terrible things’
Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed Hamas will endure “terrible things” as he suggested Israel’s onslaught against them had “only just begun”.
Speaking to authorities in the south of the country, Israel’s prime minister said: “I know you have gone through terrible and difficult things; the state will leave no stone unturned to help you.
“Your leadership is very strong in these difficult days, it will take time and a strong stand is needed in the difficult days to come.
“I embrace you and the residents. We are all with you, and we will defeat [Hamas] with strength, a lot of strength.”
Mr Netanyahu told authorities to “stand firm because we are going to change the Middle East,” before he added, “Hamas will go through difficult and terrible things”.
When speaking about Israel’s campaign, he said, “We have only just begun”.
Hamas to film hostage executions if Israel bombs without warning
”Every targeting of our people without warning will be met with the execution of one of the civilian hostages,” the Ezzedine al-Qassem Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, said.
Israel said on Monday that more than 100 people had been taken captive by Hamas during the attack over the weekend.
A number of missing Brits are feared to have been kidnapped and held inside Gaza where hostages are likely being used as human shields.
Hamas warned: “From this moment on, we announce that every targeting of our people who are safe in their homes without prior warning will be met with regret by the execution of one of our enemy’s civilian hostages, and we will urgently broadcast this with audio and video.”
Source: The Telegraph UK
