‘Entirely Cynical Move’: Bolton Tells Newsmax Hamas Releasing American Hostages Was Done To Delay Israel’s Ground Assault

Former national security adviser to Donald Trump, John Bolton Newsmax on Friday that the two American hostages released by Hamas was done to delay their ground operation on Gaza city.

Following the militant groups attack on Israel earlier this month, Hamas reportedly has over 200 hostages under their command after killing nearly 1,400 Israelis. Israel has responded to Hamas’ invasion by cutting off power to Gaza, launching precision airstrikes on the group, and preparing a ground assault on the city.

On Friday, Hamas released two American hostages, Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie Raanan, citing “humanitarian reasons.” President Joe Biden announced the achievement; however, Bolton told Newsmax host Bianca de la Garza that he believes the group is using the hostages to stall Israel’s ground invasion.

“We should be very happy that at least two people have been let go,” Bolton said during an interview on Newsline. “But given what we know about Hamas and how it operates, what the character of its leadership is, I have to say for those concerned with the other hostages, this is an entirely cynical move by them.”

“They’re trying to delay the entry by the Israeli Defense Forces into Gaza to dig in further to create more booby traps for them, and it puts the lives of the remaining 200-plus hostages in even further jeopardy,” he added.

It is not clear whether Hamas will release more hostages in the coming days as Israel prepares for the ground assault of Gaza. Western allies of Israel have condemned Hamas over the groups treatment of prisoners of war and civilians. The attack on Israel earlier this month was one of the deadliest days in the nation’s history.

“This is hard logic to talk about it this way. We hoped that a civilized group would let everybody go. That isn’t going to happen,” Bolton concluded.

Watch the full segment above via Newsmax.