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

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

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

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

This release comes as Israeli forces intensify their offensive on Gaza City, focusing on underground tunnels and booby-trapped buildings in a bid to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure.

**Hamas Sends Message to Israeli Leadership**

Alongside the image, Hamas issued a direct message to Israeli leaders. The group criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for what it called “intransigence,” and Army Chief Eyal Zamir for “submission.” The statement read:
“Because of Netanyahu’s intransigence and Zamir’s submission: A farewell picture at the start of the operation in Gaza City.”

These remarks arrive amid fierce fighting in Gaza City, with recent Israeli strikes reportedly killing at least 60 Palestinians.

**Hostage Situation Remains Dire**

Hamas claims the captives are dispersed across various neighborhoods in Gaza City and are at significant risk due to ongoing Israeli bombings. Previously, Hamas released videos showing the hostages in poor health, including one disturbing clip of a captive apparently digging his own grave.

These videos have drawn condemnation from hostage families and international allies, including the United States, who describe such releases as psychological warfare.

**Public Outcry and Protests in Israel**

The publication of the “farewell” picture has sparked outrage, with mass protests expected to unfold in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Demonstrators are demanding that the government take immediate action to secure the release of captives and work toward ending the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its operation against Gaza City, targeting underground shafts and booby-trapped sites.

**Intensified Demolition Campaign in Gaza**

Israel has also ramped up its demolition campaign against high-rise buildings in Gaza City. Military efforts are concentrated on the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa neighborhoods. Recent estimates suggest that up to 20 tower blocks have been destroyed in the last two weeks.

Israeli media report that more than 500,000 residents have fled Gaza since early September, although Hamas disputes these figures.

*Social media continues to circulate the controversial “farewell picture,” fueling heightened tensions as the conflict escalates.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/hamas-shares-farewell-photo-of-48-israeli-captives/story

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.

*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

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

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

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

Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, has released a “farewell picture” of 48 Israeli captives on social media. The image, which includes both living and deceased individuals, identifies all as “Ron Arad,” referring to the Israeli air force officer who disappeared in Lebanon in 1986.

This release coincides with an intensified Israeli military offensive in Gaza City, where forces are targeting underground tunnels and booby-trapped buildings.

**Hamas Sends Message to Israeli Leadership**

Alongside the image, Hamas directed a critical message toward Israeli leaders. 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.”

The statement comes amid heavy fighting in Gaza City, where recent strikes have reportedly killed at least 60 Palestinians.

**Concerns Over Hostages’ Safety**

Hamas claims the captives are scattered across various neighborhoods in Gaza City and remain at grave risk due to ongoing Israeli bombardments. The group has previously released videos showing hostages in poor health. One video notably depicts a captive digging what appeared to be his own grave.

These videos have drawn strong condemnation from hostage families as well as international allies, including the United States, which denounces them as acts of psychological warfare.

**Public Outcry and Protests in Israel**

The release of the “farewell” picture is expected to fuel mass protests in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Demonstrators are demanding that the Israeli government secure a deal to release the captives and call for an end to the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its offensive with a focus on underground shafts and booby-trapped sites in Gaza City.

**Intensified Demolition Campaign in Gaza**

Israel has escalated its demolition campaign against high-rise buildings in Gaza City this week. Troops are concentrating efforts on the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa neighborhoods as part of the broader assault.

Military estimates suggest that up to 20 tower blocks have been destroyed in the last two weeks. Reports from Israeli media indicate that over 500,000 residents have fled Gaza City since early September, though Hamas disputes this figure.

*Stay updated on this developing story and follow reactions on social media as tensions escalate.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/hamas-shares-farewell-photo-of-48-israeli-captives/story

Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP on Yasin Malik`s claims

After Mehbooba Mufti urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to look into Yasin Malik’s case through a humanitarian lens, the former Jammu and Kashmir (J-K) Director General of Police (DGP) SP Vaid on Friday criticised JKLF chief Yasin Malik’s claims.

The former JK DGP revealed that Yasin Malik had briefed then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after meeting Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, calling it a “matter of shame” for the government at that time. Yasin Malik has been convicted in terror-related cases and is currently serving a life sentence in a 2017 terror-funding case.

Malik claimed in a sworn affidavit that he travelled to Pakistan, met Hafiz Saeed, and subsequently briefed Manmohan Singh, according to a report by ANI.

Speaking to the media on Friday, former JK DGP SP Vaid expressed shock that someone involved in killings could have been used for “diplomatic purposes.” He asserted, “What could be more shameful than this?”

According to ANI, Vaid said, “Yasin Malik’s affidavit states that he travelled to Pakistan, met with Hafiz Saeed, and subsequently briefed then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh upon his return. This means you are using a murderer like Yasin Malik, who killed five of your air force men and was responsible for the deaths of many Kashmiri Hindu pandits.”

He further added, “A murderer is being used as a diplomat to approach Hafiz Saeed, who is an India-hater and heads Lashkar-e-Taiba, responsible for killing thousands of Indians. I leave it to the people of this country to decide what kind of government they want. It is such a disgrace to have such diplomacy and government.”

A day earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik claimed before the Delhi High Court that, far from being a terrorist, he was repeatedly engaged by six successive Indian governments—from VP Singh to Manmohan Singh—to participate in peace initiatives concerning Kashmir.

Malik further alleged that the meetings facilitated by the Indian establishment were later “twisted” to portray him as a conspirator, ANI reported.

Currently serving a life sentence in a 2017 terror-funding case, Malik made these assertions in detailed written submissions filed in response to the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) appeal seeking the death penalty against him.

According to Malik, his engagement began in the early 2000s when then Intelligence Bureau (IB) Special Director Ajit Doval visited him in jail to convey the Vajpayee government’s interest in a peace process.

Malik further asserted that following his meeting with Ajit Doval, the National Security Advisor set up a meeting with IB Director Shyamal Dutta and NSA Brajesh Mishra, who asked for his support for the Ramzan ceasefire.

(With inputs from ANI)
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/former-jammu-and-kashmir-dgp-on-yasin-maliks-claims-says-what-could-be-more-shameful-than-this-23594966

Rajnath Singh: India showed retaliation strength in Operation Sindoor

The Defence Minister recently interacted with a group of 1965 war veterans, reflecting on India’s military resilience and determination.

“We launched Operation Sindoor and showed the enemy just how strong our retaliation can be. The coordination and courage with which our team worked have proven that victory is no longer an exception for us. Victory has become our habit. And we must always maintain this habit,” Singh said.

Addressing the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the Defence Minister expressed the government’s resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice. “Whenever that incident comes to our mind, our hearts become heavy. What happened there shook all of us to the core. But that incident could not break our morale. Our Prime Minister has taken this resolve that this time the terrorists will be taught such a lesson that they would never have even imagined,” he added.

In response to the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 people dead, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in territories controlled by Pakistan. These strikes triggered four days of intense clashes, which ended with an understanding to stop military actions on May 10.

Singh also reflected on India’s challenges since Independence, stating, “India as a nation has not been very fortunate in matters concerning its neighbours since Independence. Challenges of one kind or another have always come before us. But this is the specialty of us Indians — that we do not sit back accepting these challenges as fate. We work hard and shape our own destiny, creating our own future.”

*This story has been sourced from a third-party syndicated feed and agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for the dependability, trustworthiness, reliability, or data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete, or remove (without notice) the content at its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.*
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/rajnath-singh-india-showed-retaliation-strength-in-operation-sindoor-23594800