Journalism of Courage
The armed wing of Hamas has released what it described as a “farewell picture” of 48 Israeli captives held in Gaza, as the Israeli army pushes deeper into Gaza City, the besieged enclave’s largest urban centre.
On Saturday, the Qassam Brigades posted an image online showing a compilation of faces of all captives, both living and deceased. Each was captioned “Ron Arad” — invoking the name of the Israeli air force captain who went missing in Lebanon in 1986 after being captured by the Amal Movement and later transferred to Hezbollah. Arad is widely believed to have died in captivity, but his fate has never been conclusively established.
As per a report by Al Jazeera, the image was accompanied by a message blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “refusal” to agree to a deal with Hamas and army chief Eyal Zamir’s decision to expand military operations in Gaza City. Netanyahu has consistently rejected negotiations with Hamas, while Zamir has pressed ahead with ground and air assaults despite internal objections over plans to “conquer” Gaza City.
Israeli authorities estimate that about 20 captives remain alive, while US President Donald Trump has suggested the number could be fewer. Both leaders have pledged to bring back all living and dead captives while vowing to “destroy” Hamas. Hamas, however, has repeatedly warned that intensified Israeli attacks put the captives’ lives at risk, claiming some have already been killed by Israeli air strikes. The group says captives are being held in various neighbourhoods of Gaza City.
The threat by Hamas came just hours before fresh mass demonstrations were expected across Israel, with hundreds of thousands planning to rally in Tel Aviv and other cities. Families of the captives and protesters have been demanding an immediate and comprehensive agreement to end the war and secure the hostages’ return.
Earlier this month, Hamas released video footage of two Israeli captives, following a similar broadcast weeks earlier showing two emaciated prisoners, one of whom it claimed was forced to dig his own grave. The images drew condemnation from Israeli officials, families of the captives, and allies including the United States.
