Hamas releases farewell picture of 48 Israeli hostages; Qassam Brigades issues stern warnings, says, ‘Ron Arad…’
Hamas has warned that Israeli bombings and the ongoing ground offensive place captives' lives at risk.
Hamas has released a “farewell picture” of 48 Israeli hostages in Gaza, as Israeli forces intensify their assault on the enclave’s largest urban centre, Al Jazeera reported. Hamas’s armed wing, known as the Qassam Brigades, released a montage of pictures online on Saturday, which included photos of captives, alive and deceased. Each one contained the caption “Ron Arad,” referring to the Israeli air force officer who went missing in Lebanon in 1986.
Who released the farewell picture of 48 Israeli hostages?
Arad’s F-4 Phantom experienced a premature detonation of its bombs while attacking southern Lebanon. He was then captured by the Amal Movement and subsequently handed over to Hezbollah. While it is believed that Arad has died, there is no definitive evidence about his fate.
Which hostages are shown in the “farewell picture”?
The photo shared by Hamas was embedded with a message, stating: “Because of Netanyahu’s refusal, and Zamir’s capitulation, a farewell picture as the military operation in Gaza City begins.” The remarks targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly rejected negotiations with Hamas, and army chief Eyal Zamir, who has publicly questioned the government’s plan to seize Gaza City.
Why did Hamas reference Ron Arad in their statement?
Israeli officials estimate that around 20 captives remain alive in Gaza, while US President Doland Trump has suggested the number may be lower. Both leaders have vowed to recover all captives and “destroy” Hamas
Hamas has warned that Israeli bombings and the ongoing ground offensive place captives’ lives at risk, alleging that some have already been killed by airstrikes. The group claims captives are dispersed across Gaza City’s neighbourhoods.
The release of the “farewell” image came as large-scale protests were expected in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, with demonstrators demanding a deal to secure the captives’ return and halt the war, Al Jazeera reported.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- The photo shared by Hamas was embedded with a message.
- Israeli strikes have killed at least 65,208 people and wounded 166,271.
- Israeli officials estimate that around 20 captives remain alive in Gaza.
- Each one contained the caption “Ron Arad,” referring to the Israeli air force officer who went missing in Lebanon in 1986.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reports that since October 2023, Israeli strikes have killed at least 65,208 people and wounded 166,271. Following Israel’s breach of a ceasefire on March 18, 12,653 Palestinians have been killed and 54,230 injured, as reported by Al Jazeera.
(With agencies’ inputs)
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