Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office responded tonight (Monday) to Hamas' announcement that "Hamas is also proving tonight that it is a cynical and criminal terrorist organization, which holds mentally ill civilians in violation of all international conventions and laws, as well as the bodies of IDF martyrs." 

"Hamas is the one responsible for the plight of the captive citizens. The State of Israel will continue its efforts, mediated by Egypt, to return the prisoners and missing persons, with responsibility and determination."

To prove his point, NEWSRAEL can add that just last night, in Sidon, Lebanon, the head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniya, pledged to work for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons. He then reiterated, "We promise prisoners on behalf of Hamas and our people that we will work for their release regardless of the victims. The occupation is not convinced to go for a new deal (exchange of prisoners)."