Hamas claims it will 'protect' hostages, release them 'when circumstances on the ground allow'

Hamas is reportedly claiming that it will "protect" its hostages taken during the war with Israel and will only release them "when circumstances on the ground allow." 

The comments surfaced Monday in a video message from Abu Obeida, whom Reuters says is the spokesman of the Palestinian terrorist group’s armed wing. Israel says Hamas is holding 199 Israelis hostage, while 13 Americans remain unaccounted for. 

Obeida said Hamas has "a group of detainees of different nationalities, these are our guests and we seek to protect them," according to Reuters. 

"We will release detainees of different nationalities when circumstances on the ground allow," he reportedly added, without elaborating.