Son of Hamas Founder Urges Israel Not to Release Terrorists for Hostages

The son of a Hamas co-founder has issued a stark warning to Israel against releasing convicted terrorists in exchange for hostages held by the terror organization. Mosab Hassan Yousef, speaking to The Telegraph in an interview published Saturday, cautioned that such a move would embolden Hamas and reignite its terror capabilities.

“The only card in Hamas’s hands today is the hostages they want the release of hundreds if not thousands of mass murderers from Israeli prisons,” Yousef stated. “The most dangerous Hamas leaders today are not in Qatar or Turkey they are in Israeli prisons. That includes my father. And Hamas wants to force Israel using the international community and the global pressure to release mass murderers of the caliber of Sinwar. They want them released back to the streets, can you imagine?”

Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader believed to have orchestrated the October 7 massacre of Israelis, was among 1,026 Arab terrorists freed in 2011 as part of the Shalit deal. He subsequently rose to become one of the terror organization’s most influential figures.

Yousef, the eldest son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef, has taken an extraordinary path. While expected to follow in his father’s footsteps within Hamas, he instead began working with Israel’s Shin Bet security service at the age of 17. His intelligence work during the Second Intifada proved critical in preventing attacks and dismantling Hamas operations.

Sheikh Hassan Yousef, who has been arrested multiple times over the past two decades, remains a significant figure within Hamas. His most recent arrest occurred on October 19, 2023, during Israel’s crackdown following the October 7 attacks.

Mosab Yousef’s message is clear: releasing high-profile Hamas prisoners risks revitalizing the group. “We are talking about some very dangerous people even if they are released abroad, they can continue forming and creating terrorist cells and attacking Jews worldwide,” he warned.

Yousef’s remarks come at a pivotal moment for Israel, as international pressure mounts for a resolution to the hostage crisis. However, the warnings highlight the long-term consequences of releasing convicted terrorists who have the potential to re-establish Hamas’ operational strength.

Israel faces a critical choice, balancing the immediate need to rescue hostages with the broader implications for national security. The stakes could not be higher, and the world watches as the decisions unfold.

Israel remains a bastion of strength and vigilance in an uncertain region. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed about these critical issues.