A spokesman for the Islamic Jihad military wing, Al-Quds Brigades, told journalists that “Harming the prisoners is a red line, and the occupation must consider carefully what we say and understand that we are ready and able to protect our prisoners by all means.”

The escapees, five of whom are Islamic Jihad members, are “heroes,” he added. “They took their freedom despite the will of their jailers.”

All members of the military wings of the Palestinian factions in Jenin, the spokesman said, are ready to defend the city in case of any Israeli incursion searching for the escaped prisoners.

Al-Quds Brigades pointed out that the response to any Israeli aggression against the prisoners “will be faster than Israel expects.”