Hamas releases ‘farewell picture’ of Israeli captives amid Gaza offensive

**Hamas Releases ‘Farewell Picture’ of Israeli Captives Amid Gaza Offensive**

*By Snehil Singh | September 21, 2025, 10:19 AM*

Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, has released a “farewell picture” showing 48 Israeli captives on social media. The photo includes both living and deceased individuals, all identified under the name “Ron Arad”—a reference to an Israeli air force officer who disappeared in Lebanon in 1986.

### Context of the Release

The image comes as Israeli forces intensify their offensive in Gaza City, targeting underground tunnels and booby-trapped buildings. The military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas’s operational capabilities amid escalating conflict.

### Message to Israeli Leadership

Alongside the image, Hamas issued a pointed message directed at Israeli authorities. The group accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “intransigence” and Army Chief Eyal Zamir of “submission,” stating:

*”Because of Netanyahu’s intransigence and Zamir’s submission: A farewell picture at the start of the operation in Gaza City.”*

This statement underscores Hamas’s criticism of Israel’s handling of the ongoing conflict.

### Hostage Situation and Concerns

Hamas claims the Israeli captives are dispersed across neighborhoods in Gaza City and are at risk due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. In earlier communications, Hamas released videos showing hostages in poor health conditions, including one disturbing clip of a captive digging what appeared to be his own grave.

These videos have been widely condemned by hostage families and the international community—including the United States—who regard them as attempts at psychological warfare.

### Public Reaction in Israel

The release of the “farewell picture” has further fueled tensions within Israel, with mass protests expected in Tel Aviv and other cities. Demonstrators are calling on the government to secure a deal for the safe release of captives and to end the ongoing violence.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military continues its extensive offensive in Gaza City, focusing particularly on underground shafts and booby-trapped locations.

### Intensified Demolition Campaign in Gaza

Israel’s demolition campaign targeting high-rise buildings in Gaza City has escalated this week. The military is concentrating efforts on the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa neighborhoods as part of its broader assault strategy.

According to military estimates, up to 20 tower blocks have been destroyed in the past two weeks. Israeli media also report that over 500,000 residents have fled the area since early September—a figure disputed by Hamas.

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*Stay updated with the latest developments on the Gaza conflict and international responses.*

[Social media users have widely reshared the “farewell picture” as tensions continue to rise.]
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/hamas-shares-farewell-photo-of-48-israeli-captives/story