Hamas’ armed wing has published what it called a “farewell picture” of dozens of Israeli captives still held in Gaza, as Israeli forces intensify their push into Gaza City.
On Saturday, the Qassam Brigades released a montage online showing the faces of 48 captives — both living and dead — each labeled “Ron Arad,” a reference to the Israeli air force officer who vanished after being captured in Lebanon in 1986. Arad’s fate remains unresolved and has long haunted Israel’s military and political establishment.
Alongside the image, Hamas issued a message aimed at Israeli leaders. “Because of Netanyahu’s intransigence and Zamir’s submission: A farewell picture at the start of the operation in Gaza City,” the group declared, singling out Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and army chief Eyal Zamir.
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The release follows days of fierce fighting in Gaza City, where the Israeli army says it has demolished underground tunnels and booby-trapped buildings. Gaza health officials reported at least 60 Palestinians killed in the latest strikes.
Hamas claims that captives are scattered across Gaza City neighbourhoods and remain at risk from Israeli bombings. The group has previously released footage of hostages, including videos showing captives in deteriorating health and, in one case, digging what was presented as his own grave. Families of the hostages and international allies, including the United States, have condemned the videos as psychological warfare.
The “farewell” picture surfaced as mass protests were expected in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities demanding the government strike a deal to secure the release of captives and stop the war.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military pressed ahead with its offensive on Gaza City and across the Strip on Saturday, targeting underground shafts and booby-trapped sites in strikes that killed at least 60 Palestinians.
The escalation came just days before 10 countries, including Australia, Belgium, Britain and Canada, are set to formally recognise a Palestinian state on Monday ahead of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Israel’s demolition campaign against Gaza City’s high-rises has intensified this week alongside its ground assault. Troops controlling the city’s eastern suburbs have been pounding the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa neighborhoods, staging points for a push toward central and western districts.
Military estimates suggest up to 20 tower blocks in Gaza City have been destroyed over the past two weeks. Israeli media also report that more than 500,000 residents have fled the city since early September, though Hamas disputes the figure.
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