Oron Shaul's mother Zehava, in front of a picture of her son
Oron Shaul's mother Zehava, in front of a picture of her sonPhoto by Basel Awidat/Flash90

Hamas' military wing, the al-Qassam Brigade, continued its publicity campaign pressuring Israel to cave to its demands.

Hamas is currently holding the bodies of two IDF soldiers - Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul - as well as three mentally ill Israelis who are believed to still be alive.

According to a Hamas spokesperson, Israel is hiding important facts about the way Shaul fell into Hamas' hands during 2014's Operation Protective Edge.

Shaul was killed when his vehicle blew up in Gaza, and his body was abducted by Hamas terrorists to serve as a bargaining chip in Hamas' efforts to free living and convicted terrorists from prison. He was later declared a fallen IDF soldier whose place of burial is unknown, based on testimonies given by his comrades in battle.

Currently, Hamas is attempting to create the impression that Shaul is still alive, but refusing to offer details which would support such a claim.

Arab media recently claimed negotiations were being held between Hamas and Israel, in which 55 Shalit deal terrorists would be freed, in exchange for a video proving the three Israeli civilians are in fact alive.