Hamas: IDF Approached Hostages Closely

Hostages in Gaza were reportedly kept very close to IDF soldiers, according to a Hamas source cited by Asharq Al-Awsat. The IDF troops were often positioned above tunnels where hostages were hidden, necessitating distractions for the terrorists to move captives. Hamas has been instructed to safeguard both living and deceased hostages for potential negotiations with Israel. Living captives were frequently relocated to avoid detection, while deceased bodies were buried in tunnels or nearby cemeteries.

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