In an alarming escalation between Israel and Hamas, the Islamist group controlling Gaza has issued a grave warning.
Hamas has stated that for each Israeli attack on civilian homes without prior warning, they will execute an Israeli civilian hostage and broadcast it.
This threat comes in response to Israel's intensified airstrikes and a complete blockade of Gaza.
A dangerous turn of events
Hamas spokesperson Abu Ubaida stated that the group had been keeping Israeli hostages safe in accordance with Islamic principles.
However, the situation is now changing.
"For every Israeli bombing of a civilian house without warning, we will begin executing an Israeli civilian hostage and broadcast it," he said according to Reuters.
The Israeli military has called up an unprecedented 300,000 reservists and imposed a total blockade on Gaza.
This has led to speculation that a ground offensive may be in the planning stages. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a tightened blockade that will even prevent food and fuel from reaching Gaza, home to 2.3 million people.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that around 137,000 people are seeking shelter with UNRWA, the UN agency providing basic services to Palestinians.
The situation has also led to concerns that the conflict could spread to other areas, raising alarms across the region.
This new threat from Hamas marks a dangerous escalation in an already tense situation, adding further complexity to a conflict with deep roots and multiple layers.
