Hamas's armed wing said on Monday it will begin executing an Israeli civilian captive in return for any new Israeli bombing of civilian houses without pre-warning.
"From this hour, any targeting of our people in the safety of their homes, without warning, will be met with the execution of civilian hostages, which will be broadcast with video and audio," Hamas armed wing spokesman Abu Ubaida said.
Hamas has taken dozens of hostages, including Israeli soldiers and civilians, since its surprise attack on Saturday that left more than 700 Israelis dead. Americans are reportedly among the hostages taken by the terrorist group.
Ubaida said Hamas has been acting in accordance with Islamic instructions by keeping the Israeli captives safe and sound, blaming the move to broadcast executions on Israel's stepped-up bombing.
(Reporting by Nidal Al Mughrabi; editing by Chris Reese)