Hamas says it is ready for 'long war' as Israel continues pounding Gaza with bombs

Palestinian militant group Hamas says it is ready to fight a long war with Israel and will use the dozens of Israeli captives in Gaza to secure the release of Palestinians detained in Israel and overseas.

Ali Barakeh, who is a senior member of the militant group based in Beirut, said that Hamas has an arsenal of rockets that will last a long time.

Barakeh told the Associated Press that Hamas has prepared well for this war and to deal with all scenarios, even the scenario of the long war.

His comments came as concerns grew about the fate of more than 100 individuals held by militants in Gaza. Hamas has threatened to start executing its hostages if Israel carried out airstrikes in the Gaza Strip without prior warning to residents.