DaysofPal – The Hamas Movement denied that it had lost command or communication with its field commanders in Gaza, one of the Movement’s top sources said.
The source clarified that since about a month ago, there has been no communication with the field commanders in charge of protecting the captives detained in the Strip and that Israel must “meet the resistance’s conditions” in order to guarantee their safety in the face of Israeli bombardment.
The source explained that the lack of communication with the commanders responsible for the captives is a result of stringent security measures designed to protect “the crucial negotiating card.”
They added that Hamas’s refusal to divulge any details regarding the conditions of its prisoners is an attempt to pressure the US government into reaching a ceasefire agreement.
Additionally, the source stated that before the presidential elections, the US requested video footage of American prisoners, but Hamas refused because the US had not provided “any serious indication they were going to stop the aggression or reach an agreement to stop the war of extermination in the Strip.”
They also reaffirmed that decisions are coordinated amongst different levels of leadership and that Hamas’ political leadership still has authority over field commanders in Gaza.
Abu Obaida, the spokesperson for Hamas’ armed wing, issued new directives to prison guards on how to handle captives in the event Israeli forces approach their location. This came after six captives were killed in early September, with Israeli forces claiming to have found their bodies in a tunnel in southern Gaza.
The Qassam Brigades also pledged allegiance to Hamas’ new leadership following the death of Yahya Sinwar, the group’s political leader. Despite the ongoing siege and heavy bombardment in the north, the Qassam Brigades’ military council is coordinating with other groups and launching a new recruitment campaign to strengthen its battalions.
Regarding ceasefire negotiations, Hamas leadership once again denied any responsibility for the talks’ failure, stating that they are still awaiting the specifics of the final round of talks with Egyptian mediators.
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