hostage

The terrorists apparently believed that the taking of hostages and accompanying psychological warfare would force Israel to capitulate and end the war, leaving Hamas victorious.

He later renewed his threats of strike action during the war in Gaza to demand that the government reach an agreement for the release of hostages held there by militants.

"Since the hostages are now in Israel, this opposition is no longer relevant," he said, according to the statement.

Hamas has handed over three coffins it says contain the bodies of deceased Gaza hostages, according to the Israeli military.

Israel's military said Saturday that three bodies it received from Gaza via the Red Cross the previous night were not hostages held in the Palestinian territory.