BICOM

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar told a rally in Gaza that the next missiles “will reach Tel Aviv and its surrounding area.”

Speaking on Friday at a memorial service for its fighters killed last week, Sinwar said: “What did the Israeli leadership think when it allowed in fuel and Qatari funds? … That we would sell out our blood for diesel and dollars? They’ve been disappointed, and their goals have failed.” Sinwar held a pistol that he claimed belonged to Lt.-Col. M, the Israeli officer killed in Gaza last Sunday. He warned “whoever tests Gaza will find only death and poison… Our missiles are more precise, have a greater range, and carry more explosives than in the past.”

Commenting on internal Palestinian reconciliation efforts, he urged “brothers in Fatah, the Palestinian Authority, and all the national and Islamic factions, to sit around one table so we could share blood and make decisions together.” In an unusual move, Hamas’s celebratory rally was attended by Ahmed Abd al-Halak, the Egyptian intelligence officer responsible for Palestinian affairs. Though Halak enjoys excellent relations with Israel and has even been spotted at Tel Aviv restaurants, his attendance at Friday’s rally, is controversial.

The Arabic news site, Khaleej Online has reported that, with the help of Egyptian and German mediators, a prisoner and missing persons exchange agreement is being discussed between Hamas and Israel.

The report said Israel has agreed in principle to release Hamas prisoners released in the Shalit deal who have since been re-arrested.  In exchange, Hamas would release the remains of Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, IDF soldiers killed in 2014.  Hamas is also believed to be holding two Israeli civilians who entered Gaza – Avraham Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed.

Israeli officials have denied the report.