Hamas’s Qassam Brigades has threatened to execute Israeli captives if Israel continues to bombard and kill civilians in Gaza.
“Any targeting of innocent civilians without warning will be met regretfully by executing one of the captives in our custody, and we will be forced to broadcast this execution,” said Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas’ Qassam Brigades.
“We regret this decision but we hold the Zionist enemy and their leadership the responsibility for this,” he said.
I think they overestimate how much this distracts the US. Plans for supporting Israel in all levels of military conflict have been nailed down for decades, and it would be very hard to put so much demand on the US with such a geographically small conflict.
China and Russia are desperate for relief because they both have terribly overplayed their hands. Russia, more so obviously. But if China opts for actual engagement, they’re going to lose. The US will suffer big losses as well but definitely can sustain and overcome the Chinese threat in the long run.
Yes, I think Israel can handle Hamas on their own, but Hezbollah is looking if there is an opportunity for them. I think that’s why US Navy is there to discourage them.
I think it’s much more about Iran and sending them a clear message. Not convinced that anybody sees Hezbollah as a serious threat relative to the danger Iran presents.
Either way, both of them should take note that one of the largest most deadly air forces in the region is floating nearby.