Ismail Haniya, head of Hamas’s political office, ruled out negotiations on the release of hostages during the ongoing Israeli military offensive. Israeli estimates put the number at between 100 and 150 people kidnapped. Parents in Israel have been warned about the videos of Hamas hostages, according to CNN. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Austrian citizens with dual nationality are among those missing in Israel.
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The head of Hamas’s political office announced that all parties that requested information about the hostages were informed that “this process will not be opened until the end of the fighting”. Furthermore, negotiations would only take place under the condition of “a price that the resistance accepts”.
According to Israeli sources, Hamas kidnapped between 100 and 150 people in the Gaza Strip. According to Itamaraty, three people with dual Austrian and Israeli citizenship could be among them. They may be three people who have recently been independently in southern Israel. However, there is currently no official confirmation, the ministry emphasized in the morning.
After the Hamas attack, which left around 900 dead, the Israeli military claimed to have placed the border fence with the Gaza Strip back under its control.
According to a media report, parents in Israel are being warned about Hamas’ feared videos of kidnapped hostages in the Gaza Strip. CNN referred to the parents’ association of a school in Tel Aviv. For example, they asked parents to remove the TikTok app from their children’s cell phones so they wouldn’t see the hostages “begging for their lives.”
Nehammer: Israel Return Campaign Planned
According to Chancellor Karl Nehammer (ÖVP), a campaign for the Austrians to return is currently being prepared. “Deportation abroad” is currently being prepared; Tomorrow a Federal Army transport plane will be transferred to Cyprus and, after overflight authorizations have been issued, will take off for Israel. Austrians wishing to leave the country would be transported to Cyprus, from where regular flights would continue, Nehammer said.
Around 200 Austrians are currently waiting to leave the crisis zone. You must contact the Austrian embassy in Tel Aviv.
UN: Closure of Gaza violates international law
The United Nations, however, has warned Israel against a complete closure of the Gaza Strip. Israel ordered this in light of Hamas’ devastating attack from the coastal strip, which left around 900 Israelis dead and more than 2,600 injured.
It is prohibited under international humanitarian law to deprive people of what they need to survive, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk in Geneva.
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