Hamas has claimed that Israel’s extensive ground and air offensive is endangering the safety of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip. According to the news agency Al Jazeera, Hamas released this “farewell photo” while the Israeli military continues its campaign to demolish and gain control over the encircled area’s largest city.
The “Farewell Photo” and the Reference to Ron Arad
On Saturday, the Al-Qassam Brigades posted a composite photo online showing the faces of both living and dead hostages. The caption for all of them referred to them as ‘Ron Arad’.
According to Al Jazeera, Ron Arad refers to an Israeli Air Force captain who disappeared in Lebanon in 1986. His F-4 Phantom jet was damaged when a bomb exploded prematurely during a raid over southern Lebanon. He was captured by the Amal movement and later handed over to Hezbollah. Arad is believed to be dead, but there is no conclusive evidence about his actual fate.
The photo released by Hamas was accompanied by the statement: “This is a farewell photo in light of Netanyahu’s refusal and Zamir’s surrender, as the military operation in Gaza City begins.”
Political Context: Netanyahu’s Stance and Military Leadership
This statement points to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s repeated firm stance of not making any deal with Hamas to end the genocidal war in Gaza. It also alludes to the context of Israeli Army Chief Herzi Halevi, who, despite having publicly expressed objections to the government’s ‘Gaza City victory’ plan, is leading the expansion of the ground and air offensive.
Conflicting Estimates on Hostages and Warnings
Israeli officials have expressed belief that around 20 hostages are still being held alive in Gaza, while U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that fewer than 20 may be alive. Both Trump and Netanyahu have stated that they will return all living and dead hostages and “destroy” Hamas.
Hamas has been warning that the hostages’ lives are at risk as the Israeli offensive intensifies and the ground invasion expands. According to Hamas, some hostages were killed by Israeli bombs some time ago. The armed Palestinian group has also claimed that the hostages are “scattered” and held in various neighborhoods and alleys across Gaza.
Timing Amidst Domestic Israeli Protests
Hamas released this list on Saturday as hundreds of thousands of Israelis took to the streets in Tel Aviv and other cities, protesting against the government, demanding an immediate deal to end the war and return all hostages.
Earlier this month, Hamas released a video of two Israeli hostages. Prior to that, almost a month ago, it broadcast a video of two Israeli hostages who appeared extremely frail.
These images have generated anguish among the hostages’ families, Israeli government officials, U.S. officials, and other Israeli allies.
