The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), released a video today, Thursday, directed at Israeli soldiers currently operating in the Gaza Strip, urging them to surrender rather than face death.
In the video message, Al-Qassam addressed what it called “the Nazi occupation soldier in Gaza”, declaring:
“Our valiant fighters will inevitably reach you.”
The statement continued:
“If you choose not to fight and wish to preserve your life… lay down your weapon, raise your hands, and follow the field instructions.”
The video concluded with a direct message:
“Captivity is better than death.”
Al-Qassam vowed to protect the lives of captured soldiers until the next prisoner exchange deal is achieved.
Video Shows Capture Operations During Ongoing War
The footage released by Al-Qassam features scenes of capture operations carried out by its fighters during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, launched on October 7, 2023, as well as unsuccessful capture attempts made during the current war.
On the 10th of this month, Al Jazeera aired exclusive footage showing a capture attempt carried out by Al-Qassam fighters targeting an Israeli soldier in the city of Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza.
The scenes depicted an assault on a gathering of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles in the Abasan al-Kabira area, east of Khan Yunis. During the raid, fighters attempted to capture a soldier before he was ultimately killed in the exchange.
Following the failed attempt, a senior Al-Qassam commander told Al Jazeera that the resistance is confident in its ability to carry out future successful captures, describing the recent operation as a near success.
Daily Attrition Strategy: From North to South Gaza
Two days before the capture attempt, Abu Ubaida, the spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, issued a statement threatening the Israeli military with daily losses across the entire Gaza Strip — from the north to the south — as part of an extended battle of attrition.
He hinted that the resistance in Gaza may soon be in a position to capture more Israeli soldiers, escalating the psychological and strategic pressure on the occupation forces.
On October 7, 2023, the Al-Qassam Brigades launched a large-scale assault targeting Israeli military bases, outposts, and settlements in the Gaza Envelope. The operation resulted in the killing of hundreds of Israeli soldiers and officers, and the capture of at least 240 Israelis.
