In a recent interview, senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya pointed fingers at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the deaths of six Israeli hostages held by the group. Al-Hayya stated that these individuals could have been released alive to their families in a real exchange deal if it weren't for Netanyahu and his government's actions.
Al-Hayya further alleged that Israeli strikes in Gaza had resulted in the deaths of numerous hostages, including the six individuals in question. While no evidence was provided to support this claim, Hamas continues to hold Israel responsible for the deaths.
Israel, on the other hand, has refuted these accusations, stating that the hostages were killed shortly before troops reached them. The Israeli military reported that the hostages had succumbed to short-range shots 48-72 hours prior to being examined in an autopsy.
Details on Hersh Goldberg-Polin
Al-Hayya also shed light on Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the hostages. He mentioned that after a video of Goldberg-Polin speaking to his parents and addressing the Israeli government was released to his family, contact with him and his guards was lost. Al-Hayya suggested that this loss of contact indicated a direct airstrike by the Israeli occupation, leaving Goldberg-Polin's fate unknown.
Al-Hayya expressed frustration with Netanyahu's priorities, claiming that the Prime Minister prioritized maintaining Israeli military presence at the Philadelphi corridor over negotiating the release of the hostages. The corridor has been a significant point of contention in the ongoing hostage negotiations.
The situation remains tense as both Hamas and Israel continue to trade blame for the tragic deaths of the hostages. The lack of concrete evidence and conflicting narratives have further complicated efforts to resolve the crisis.
