(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Hamas terrorists have issued a dire threat to kill hostages, including potentially American citizens, as Israel enforces a “complete siege” of the Gaza Strip.
This gut-wrenching pledge comes on the heels of an unprecedented terrorist attack initiated by Hamas, resulting in a staggering death toll of over 800, including 11 individuals likely to be Americans. The extremist group has specifically promised to carry out a bombing campaign that could claim the lives of approximately 150 civilians.
JUST IN: Drone footage of Gaza city has been released by Bloomberg.
Citizens along the Gaza Strip are being caught in the crossfire as the war between Hamas and Israel escalates.
Hundreds of apartments and homes have been demolished displacing more than 123,000 people.
The IDF… pic.twitter.com/1CTbUZDugL
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 9, 2023
President Joe Biden confirmed that Hamas is likely holding U.S. citizens hostages. “We also know that American citizens still remain unaccounted for, and we are working with Israeli officials to obtain more information as to their whereabouts,” Biden stated, according to the New York Post. “While we are still working to confirm, we believe it is likely that American citizens may be among those being held by Hamas.”
The conflict between Hamas and Israel escalated on Saturday morning when Hamas launched a violent offensive against Israeli southern cities, leading to the abduction of several Israeli citizens. In a shocking display of brutality, they paraded the half-naked body of a German citizen who had been attending a peace music festival near the border.
Hamas militant spokesman Abu Obeida issued a disturbing ultimatum, stating “We announce that every targeting of our people who are safe in their homes without warning, we will regretfully meet with the execution of our enemy’s civilian hostages.” He further added that these executions would be documented and shared through audio and video recordings.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the initial attacks and issued a stern warning. “It was a terrible mistake to attack Israel,” Netanyahu stated. “This bitter enemy wanted war, and he will get war,” he added, before warning that the attacks against Hamas are just getting started.
Israel is at war.
We didn’t want this war.
It was forced upon us in the most brutal and savage way.
But though Israel didn’t start this war, Israel will finish it.Once, the Jewish people were stateless.
Once, the Jewish people were defenseless.
No longer.Hamas will… pic.twitter.com/eVECGnzLu3
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 9, 2023
Echoing Netanyahu’s sentiments, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a complete blockade against Hamas. “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,” Gallant added.
“We’re imposing a complete siege on Gaza”.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, orders a total blockade of Gaza – leaving them with “no electricity, no food and no fuel”.
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) October 9, 2023
The toll of this conflict is staggering, with approximately 687 Palestinians killed and over 3,726 injured. Meanwhile, in Israel, more than 2,600 individuals have been wounded.
قتل بنت وتعريتها مش مقاومة. دي سفالة وإرهاب.
Killing a female, make a parade of her naked dead body is sick that’s a text book terrorism and war crime if committed by a state.
I’m an Egyptian, Arab and Muslim and I strongly condemn these actions. pic.twitter.com/ibDWBr7s51
— Kareem (@KareemFarid) October 7, 2023