The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, recently announced that they have directed their fighters to treat Israeli prisoners humanely. This instruction, they say, aligns with Islamic principles. Ezzedine Al-Haddad, a member of the group’s military council, made this statement during an interview on Al Jazeera. This message stands in contrast to the group’s claims about how Israeli forces treat Palestinian prisoners, highlighting the stark difference in approach.
Al-Haddad emphasized that these directives are specific to the prisoners currently held in the Gaza Strip. He explained that their actions are guided by core Islamic values that stress kindness and respect towards those who are captured during conflict. Therefore, the group is focused on maintaining these principles even amid the difficulties of the current fighting. This declaration of humane treatment comes at a time when there are continuous tensions and violence in the area, adding another layer to the ongoing conflict.
Furthermore, Hamas’ military council suggested that their dedication to these Islamic principles is what separates them from the Israeli military. According to Al-Haddad, they treat prisoners according to Islamic teachings and values, which is meant to show a commitment to ethical conduct during the war. This statement could potentially influence international opinions and future negotiations between the two groups, depending on how it is received. The claim of humane treatment, however, is likely to face intense scrutiny given the ongoing scrutiny of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.