An adviser linked to Al-Qaeda’s likely leader has urged Hamas to release Israeli hostages in Gaza, according to the SITE Intelligence Group.
Mustafa Hamid, also known as Abu Walid al-Masri, made the statement online Friday.
Hamid is the father-in-law of Saif al-Adel, who is believed to lead Al-Qaeda.
Hamid argued that efforts to free Israeli hostages were distracting from Palestinian prisoners’ situations in Israel.
He also praised Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader, killed in Israeli fire.
He demanded that Hamas release the hostages immediately, saying the issue should not be reopened.
Hamas has held 251 hostages since the October 7 attacks, with 97 remaining in custody.
Hamas announced it would not release hostages until the war ends.
Analysts suggest the group’s lack of leadership could hinder negotiations.
