Shin Bet Ultimatum to Hamas: Surrender or Families Die, Report Claims
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Israel's Shin Bet security agency has reportedly issued ultimatums to Hamas members in Gaza, demanding they surrender to be killed alone or face strikes that could kill their families. The tactic, detailed in a Saudi newspaper report, was allegedly used against Hamas operative Mohammed al-Bayouk in Khan Younis. Similar incidents involving lower-ranking Hamas members have reportedly occurred multiple times, though the Shin Bet has not confirmed the reports.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shin Bet reportedly offers Hamas members a choice: surrender alone or risk family deaths in strikes.
- The tactic was allegedly used against Hamas operative Mohammed al-Bayouk in Khan Younis.
- Al-Bayouk was reportedly killed on a shelter roof after receiving a Shin Bet ultimatum.
- At least five similar incidents involving lower-ranking Hamas members have been reported.
- Senior Hamas figures reportedly face more powerful strikes regardless of civilian proximity.
- The Shin Bet has not officially confirmed these reports.
The Shin Bet security agency has reportedly contacted Hamas members in the Gaza Strip multiple times in recent months, presenting them with a stark choice: emerge from their hiding places to be killed alone, or remain and risk their families being killed in an Israeli strike. This tactic, detailed in an investigation by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, has been employed in targeted operations against the terrorist organization.
One reported case involves Mohammed al-Bayouk, a Hamas operative eliminated on Wednesday on the roof of a shelter for displaced people in Khan Younis. Shortly before the strike, he allegedly received a call from a Shin Bet officer warning him he was a target. The officer reportedly offered him the option to come out alone to be killed, or stay with his family and risk their deaths.
According to family members interviewed by the newspaper, al-Bayouk chose the former and went to the roof, where he was killed by a small missile. However, a cousin at the scene stated that al-Bayouk's aunt was seriously injured while trying to prevent him from going to the roof.
Sources in Gaza cited by Asharq Al-Awsat indicate at least five similar incidents have occurred recently, with Hamas members being eliminated in side streets or on rooftops after direct contact from Israeli security services. The method is reportedly used primarily against lower-ranking Hamas operatives, while senior figures face more powerful strikes, sometimes with heavy bombs or explosive drones, even if civilians are nearby.
These claims, reported by Asharq Al-Awsat and Israeli channel Kan, have not been officially confirmed by the Shin Bet.
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