VIDEO: Hamas to 'Israeli' families: "Your children will return in coffins"

The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released a short video message on Tuesday directed at the families of 'Israeli' captives held in Gaza. The video, featuring archived footage of the return of soldiers’ bodies via the Red Cross in black coffins, was overlaid with the chilling message: “Be ready. Soon, your children will return in black coffins.”

The video coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations brokered by Egypt. Hamas confirmed yesterday that it had received a new proposal, which includes a 45-day temporary truce, the release of half the 'Israeli' captives in the first week, and the entry of humanitarian aid such as food and shelter materials into Gaza.

Read more: Gaza death toll reaches 51,000 amid stalled ceasefire efforts

However, the proposal also included a clause calling for the disarmament of Palestinian resistance factions — a condition Hamas categorically rejected. The group told Egyptian mediators that the right to armed resistance is non-negotiable and fundamental to the Palestinian cause.

Earlier today, Abu Obaida, spokesperson for Hamas' military wing, Qassam Brigades, announced that contact had been lost with the group holding 'Israeli'-American soldier Edan Alexander after a direct airstrike targeted their location. He added that efforts are ongoing to reach the group.

The video and statements come amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Since March 2, Israeli Occupation has blocked essential supplies such as food and water by closing all crossings into the Strip. This has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with Gaza entering a state of famine.

Read more: Hamas "reviewing" 'Israeli' ceasefire proposal

Israeli Occupation’s blockade of Gaza Strip has now entered its 18th year. Out of the 2.4 million residents in the strip, around 1.5 million are displaced, with large portions of the territory reduced to rubble by continued 'Israeli' bombardment.

Earlier Tuesday, Hamas announced it is reviewing Israeli Occupation’s latest ceasefire proposal, which came as the death toll in Gaza nears 51,000, with continued 'Israeli' airstrikes and ground operations it violated a previous truce in March with sudden airstrikes in the middle of the night. The war, now in its seventh month, has displaced hundreds of thousands and pushed Gaza into deep humanitarian crisis under a total blockade.

Hamas stated that 'Israel' must commit to ending the war and withdrawing its forces before any agreement can be reached. In return, it has offered to release all remaining captives “in one batch.”

The latest negotiations in Cairo concluded with no breakthrough. Talks have stalled repeatedly since Israeli Occupation resumed its offensive on March 18, breaking a temporary ceasefire deal reached in January.

Since then, Gaza’s Health Ministry says over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed, bringing the total death toll to at least 50,983, with 116,274 wounded. The strip remains under siege, with residents facing extreme shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.