As Israel intensifies strikes on Gaza, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas urged Hamas to release all Gaza hostages, stating that their continued captivity gives Israel “excuses” to prolong its attacks on the territory, remarks that the militant organisation has condemned as “insulting”. The request to Hamas comes as dozens were killed following an Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter on Wednesday.
Mahmud Abbas said, “Hamas has given the criminal occupation excuses to commit its crimes in the Gaza Strip, the most prominent being the holding of hostages. I’m the one paying the price, our people are paying the price, not Israel. My brother, just hand them over.”
Abbas on Edan Alexander
Speaking of the American hostage, Edan Alexander, who is allegedly in the captivity of Hamas, Abbasa said, “Every day there are deaths. Why? Because they (Hamas) refuse to hand over the American hostage. You sons of dogs, hand over what you have and get us out of this.”
After a brief ceasefire, which allowed Gaza residents to return to their homes and start again, Israel resumed its military campaign on March 18.
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