The Hamas Movement has reiterated that a prisoner exchange is the only way for Israeli captives to be returned alive, warning that any military attempts to rescue them would lead to their deaths.

In a statement released on Thursday, Hamas cautioned that a return to war or military operations to free captives would result in further casualties.

“During the ceremony that was held for the handover of prisoners’ bodies, al-Qassam Brigades and the resistance were keen on preserving the inviolability of the dead and considering their families’ feelings, although the occupation army did not care about their safety while they were still alive,” the statement read.

Hamas further claimed that Israeli airstrikes were responsible for the deaths of captives held in Gaza, accusing the Israeli government of obstructing efforts to negotiate a prisoner swap deal.

The statement also directly addressed the families of the slain captives, saying: “We would have preferred to return your sons to you alive, but your army and government leaders chose to kill them instead of bringing them back. They killed alongside them 17,881 Palestinian children during their criminal attacks on Gaza. We know that you are aware who is truly responsible for their departure. You are victims of leaders who do not care about their citizens.”

The remarks came as Hamas’ military wing, the al-Qassam Brigades, handed over the bodies of four Israeli captives to Red Cross representatives on Thursday morning. Among the returned bodies were a mother and her two children from the Bibas family, who were reportedly killed during Israeli attacks on Gaza.

The transfer took place at the Bani Suheila cemetery in eastern Khan Yunis, an area that Hamas claimed had been “destroyed and defiled” by Israeli forces during the war. The bodies were then transported by Red Cross vehicles to an Israeli military point in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has not yet issued an official response to Hamas’ latest claims, though the Israeli government has previously stated that it remains committed to securing the release of all remaining captives.

The situation remains tense as international mediators continue efforts to broker a ceasefire and negotiate a possible prisoner exchange. (ILKHA)