The Islamist group Hamas publicly acknowledged on Friday that it is holding the remains of two Israeli soldiers and also has in its custody two Israeli nationals who went missing in the Gaza Strip.
The group’s military wing, Izzadin Kassam Brigades, released a televised statement through official Hamas media in Gaza on Friday saying Israel will have to make concessions if it wants the Islamist organization to provide information about the conditions of the “four prisoners of war.”
The Hamas spokesperson assailed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and denied that the organization was considering the release of the four Israelis.
“Netanyahu is lying to his people with his statements and he is pulling the wool over the eyes of the parents of the soldiers in our custody,” said Abu Abeida, the Izzadin Kassam spokesperson. “There are no negotiations [with Israel] over prisoners.”
Lt. Hadar Goldin and St.-Sgt. Oron Shaul were killed during Operation Protective Edge in 2014. Their remains remain in Hamas hands in Gaza.
