Hamas: Israel would pay ‘costly price’ for full occupation of Gaza

The Palestinian militant group Hamas has threatened consequences if Israel moves forward with the full occupation of Gaza.

The Israeli military would pay a “costly price” for an escalation of the fighting, the Islamist group said in a statement, as the Israeli Security Cabinet met to decide on next steps in the 22-month war.

Hamas vowed that Gaza would remain “immune to occupation and external guardianship from outside,” accusing the Israeli leadership of sacrificing the hostages still being held in the coastal territory.

According to Israeli estimates, 50 hostages are still being held by Hamas and other extremist groups, around 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

In an interview with US broadcaster Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared his intention to take full control of the Gaza Strip.

However, Israeli media have reported that the military is warning against a full capture of the territory, which could jeopardize the hostages and prove costly for ground forces.

Netanyahu said Israel does not want to occupy the territory permanently, but rather liberate it from Hamas in order to eventually hand it over to other forces.

According to Netanyahu, these would have to be forces that do not call for the destruction of Israel like the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas.