Hamas claims 'almost fifty' hostages killed in Israeli strikes

HAMAS last night said "almost 50" of the Israeli hostages it abducted had died since retaliatory strikes began nearly a quarter of those believed to have been held captive.

- Giles Sheldrick

The terror group bragged about the deaths of hostages as Israel's military presence was bolstered on the border ahead of a full-scale assault.

A statement by Hamas' armed wing said: "Al-Qassam Brigades estimates the number of Zionist prisoners who were killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of Zionist strikes and massacres has reached almost 50." The chilling post came after Israel had launched the first wave of ground attacks in Gaza.

The number of Britons killed either during or since the October 7 attack on Israel stands at 12. The whereabouts of five remain unknown.

Israeli intelligence suggests at least 224 hostages from 25 countries including the UK were being held as human shields in underground tunnels in Gaza.

Meanwhile desperate relatives mount rallies calling for their release.

In the days after Hamas attacked Israel nearly three weeks ago, the group's military wing said it would kill an Israeli hostage every time Israel launched an attack on Gaza.

Abu Obeida, a spokesman for the Al-Qassam Brigades, added that these executions would be broadcast "in audio and video." On Wednesday, in an escalation of the conflict, Israeli forces including tank divisions carried out a "relatively targeting large" operation enemy positions in the north.

It warned the assault would "soon ramp up". Retired general Benny Gantz, now a member of the state's emergency war cabinet, warned a full-scale ground offensive would be "one stage in a long-term process that includes security, political and social aspects that will take years".

He said: "The campaign will soon ramp up with greater force." But Hamas promised a wider regional escalation should Israel Defence Forces begin a full assault.