(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Hamas has shared a chilling “farewell” photo collection of 48 Israeli hostages held in Gaza, just as Israeli troops ramp up their attacks on the territory’s biggest city, Gaza City. The images, posted online by the group’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, show both living and dead captives. Each picture carries the caption “Ron Arad,” named after the Israeli pilot who vanished in 1986 after capture in Lebanon—his fate still unknown today.
In a statement with the photos, Hamas pointed fingers at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for rejecting talks, and army chief Eyal Zamir for going along with plans to take Gaza City. “Because of Netanyahu’s refusal and Zamir’s capitulation, a farewell picture as the military operation in Gaza City begins,” it read. Israeli leaders believe about 20 hostages are still alive there, though former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted the number could be even smaller. Both Netanyahu and Trump have promised to bring everyone home and wipe out Hamas.
Hamas claims the hostages face huge dangers from Israeli airstrikes and ground pushes, saying some have already died in the bombings. The group says the captives are spread out across neighborhoods in Gaza City. This comes right before big protests planned in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, where people are calling for a hostage deal to end the war and bring the captives back safely.
Just weeks ago, Hamas released videos of two Israeli hostages, including one earlier clip showing two others in rough shape—one even shown digging what looked like his own grave. Families of the hostages, Israeli officials, and allies like the United States slammed the footage as cruel.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll. Gaza’s Palestinian Health Ministry reports that Israeli strikes since October 2023 have killed at least 65,208 people and injured 166,271. After Israel broke a ceasefire on March 18, the death toll hit 12,653 Palestinians killed and 54,230 wounded.
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