On Saturday, the Palestinian militant group Hamas released a “farewell picture” of 48 Israeli captives held in Gaza, as Israeli forces continue heavy assaults on the city, the largest in the besieged enclave.
The Qassam Brigades posted a compilation photo online showing the faces of all living and deceased captives. Each was captioned “Ron Arad”, referencing the Israeli Air Force captain missing since 1986 after his F-4 Phantom crashed in Lebanon. Arad was captured by the Amal Movement and later handed to Hezbollah; his fate remains unconfirmed (Al Jazeera).
Hamas releases hostage ‘FAREWELL picture’
48 captives still held in Gaza
‘As the military operation in Gaza City begins’ https://t.co/iWd8sTMtOn pic.twitter.com/yIDi2XRjYB
— RT (@RT_com) September 20, 2025
Statement from Hamas
The released image included a message: “Because of Netanyahu’s refusal, and Zamir’s capitulation, a farewell picture as the military operation in Gaza City begins.”
The statement referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of negotiations with Hamas and Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir’s oversight of expanding ground and air attacks.
Status of Captives
Israeli officials estimate that about 20 captives may still be alive, while former US President Donald Trump suggested fewer than 20 remain. Both Trump and Netanyahu have vowed to return all captives and “destroy” Hamas.
Hamas warned that intensifying Israeli attacks and a possible ground invasion endanger the captives, some of whom may have already been killed by Israeli strikes and are scattered throughout Gaza City neighborhoods.
Public Protests and Tensions
The photo release comes ahead of planned protests in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, where hundreds of thousands are expected to demand a comprehensive deal for the hostages’ return.
Earlier this month, Hamas released videos showing four Israeli captives, sparking outrage from families.
Humanitarian Toll in Gaza
According to Gaza’s Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 65,208 Palestinians have been killed and 166,271 wounded by Israeli strikes since October 2023. Since March 18, when Israel broke a ceasefire with Hamas, 12,653 people have died and 54,230 were wounded.
On September 9, Israel struck a residential compound in Doha, reportedly killing five Hamas leaders discussing a US plan to end the fighting.
International Legal Cases
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.
