The Hamas movement has signaled that it would pursue leverage by holding Israeli captives in negotiations, aiming to secure the release of Palestinians detained in the United States and Arabs held in Israeli jails. This was stated by Hamas spokesman Ali Barake in an interview reported by the Associated Press, who outlined the group’s strategy and its potential diplomatic aims amid the ongoing conflict.
Barake explained that Palestinians in the United States are being detained on allegations related to financing Hamas, and that Hamas intends to press for their freedom as part of broader prisoner exchange discussions. He also indicated that the movement would push to secure the release of all Arab prisoners held within Israeli prisons, framing these efforts as essential components of a wider campaign amid the current hostilities.
The Hamas representative stressed that the organization remains prepared for any eventual development in the conflict, including a prolonged and drawn-out war if necessary. He claimed that Hamas has been actively training fighters and refining its rocket production capabilities since 2014, conveying a message of resilience and readiness to confront ongoing threats and military operations in the region.
Barake linked the decision to escalate actions to what he described as the Israeli government’s response to the Al-Aqsa Mosque crisis in Jerusalem and the intensified pressure on Palestinian detainees in Israeli facilities. He portrayed these developments as a catalyst for Hamas to respond through intensified military activity, arguing that the actions taken by Israel have heightened tensions and compelled the movement to pursue strategic gains through negotiations and potential prisoner exchanges in the broader conflict.
In a note about the humanitarian impact, it was reported earlier that roughly 140,000 Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip evacuated their homes and sought shelter in private facilities to protect themselves from ongoing bombardments and artillery fire from the Israeli military, highlighting the severe civilian toll in the region and the pressure on humanitarian networks and communities in peril.
At the political level, former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly asserted a commitment to defeat Hamas, emphasizing a security-centered objective focused on dismantling the organization’s capabilities. The statements reflect a continuing debate within Israel about strategy, deterrence, and the balance between military operations and diplomatic efforts as the conflict persists and regional dynamics continue to evolve.