Hamas Escalates Amid Gaza War, Releases Hostage “Farewell” Photo to Warn Netanyahu
In the midst of the ongoing war in Gaza, Hamas has launched another provocation against Israel by releasing a disturbing image of Israeli hostages still in its custody. The photo, made public on Saturday, displayed portraits of all 48 captives, sparking shockwaves across Israel and fueling demands for an immediate ceasefire from families of the abducted.
The poster carried an ominous twist—under each hostage’s picture was written the name “Ron Arad, ” referencing the Israeli Air Force captain who went missing in Lebanon in 1986. Arad was captured during the Amal movement’s clashes and later handed over to Hezbollah. Despite decades of Israeli and Mossad efforts, his fate was never fully uncovered, and it is widely believed that he died in captivity. By invoking his name, Hamas sought to send a chilling message about the possible fate of current hostages.
The image was distributed by Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, alongside a statement directly accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of endangering the hostages’ lives. “Because of Netanyahu’s obstinacy, and the loyalty of his Chief of Army Staff Ian to his leadership, this is the farewell picture marking the beginning of the Gaza campaign, ” the statement declared.
The timing of Hamas’s move is seen as deliberate, coinciding with Israel’s advance into Gaza City as part of a broader military operation to seize control of the territory.
Following the release, hostage families in Israel voiced grave concern for their loved ones’ safety. Thousands of citizens have once again mobilized, pressing the government to prioritize hostage negotiations. The Hostage Families Forum issued an official appeal urging Netanyahu to secure the captives’ safe return without further delay.