Israeli sources expose 'Hamas playbook' as terrorists' real game plan revealed behind hostage release

They were released on “humanitarian grounds” according to Hamas.

The two elderly women have now been taken to a Tel Aviv medical centre for treatment after more than two weeks in captivity.

WATCH HERE: Mark White says hostage release was straight out of 'Hamas playbook'

Although Israeli officials welcomed the latest hostage release and thanked Egypt and other parties for their help, sources have said the move is part of “delaying tactics by Hamas” designed to play for time and sow division between Israel and its allies.

Although the United States, the UK and others are publicly backing Israel’s right to defend itself and to destroy Hamas, privately they are urging caution, with the US reportedly calling for a delay to the ground offensive, to allow more time for negotiations to release more hostages.

Last night, the White House and the State Department did not specifically mention a ground war, but said they were not calling for a ceasefire.

US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters: “We don’t believe that this is the time for a ceasefire.

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Sources have told GB News that the slow release of hostages over an extended period of time was a classic Hamas tactic, designed not only to drive a wedge between Israel and its supporters but also to create “time to allow the terrorists to regroup and prepare” for any ground offensive.

Whatever the reservations of the international community, there is little doubt that Israel will launch a ground war at some point.

There is overwhelming support in Israel for the military to go after Hamas and destroy the terror group.

Although the aerial offensive has intensified in recent days, Israeli military officials know there is only so much they can do from the air to degrade an enemy which has had years to dig in a prepare for war with Israel.

Israeli Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said: “We want to bring Hamas to a state of full dismantling.

“The path is a path of unrelenting attacks, damaging Hamas everywhere and in every way.”

He added: “We are well prepared for the ground operations.. troops who have more time are better prepared, and that is what we are doing now.”