Hamas’s military spokesman identifying himself as “Abu Obaida” released a new message urging Hezbollah to escalate efforts to capture Israeli soldiers in order to secure prisoner exchanges.

“We in Gaza, who are so close, repeatedly call on the people of Hezbollah to complete the mission,” the spokesman said, expressing clear displeasure with Israel’s new death penalty law, which went into effect yesterday.

The message has raised eyebrows, as the original Abu Obaida was widely believed to have been killed. In reality, this appears to be another individual who has taken his keffiyeh and his name, continuing the persona under the same identity.

Critics say this kind of thinking is exactly why Israel needs the death penalty law. Without it, they argue, jihadist groups will continue attempting to kidnap Israelis in order to leverage prisoner releases for their murderous brethren.