Hamas has published a propaganda image of the 48 remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza, naming each of them after Ron Arad, an Israeli Air Force navigator who has been missing since 1988. The release comes as Israeli troops prepare for a major offensive in Gaza City, Hamas’ last remaining stronghold.The image, which lists the names of all captives as “Ron Arad,” includes text accusing Israeli leaders of prolonging the hostages’ captivity. “Because of [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu’s refusal, and [IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal] Zamir’s capitulation, a parting image as the military operation in Gaza City begins,” it reads, according to Times of Israel. The statement appeared to blame Netanyahu for rejecting a last-minute ceasefire-hostage release deal and accused Zamir of carrying out the plan to take Gaza City despite his reported opposition.
Rising tensions amid Israeli offensive
The IDF has warned of “unprecedented force” in Gaza City, striking tunnels, high-rises, and infrastructure believed to be used by Hamas. Israeli airstrikes have destroyed around 20 tower blocks, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents.Meanwhile, Hamas has issued its strongest warning yet. “The operation in Gaza City will be met with fierce resistance, and the death and destruction that the enemy tries to bring to Gaza’s streets will befall its soldiers,” said Hamas official Bassem Naim. “Those who harm us during the operation in Gaza City will also harm the hostages, living and dead”.Families of hostages accused Netanyahu of using the ongoing conflict for political gain. “The blood of our loved ones is, for him, nothing more than a political tool to cling to power,” they said outside the Prime Minister’s residence. “As long as there is war, Netanyahu has a government”
Hostage families fear for loved ones
Families of the captives have expressed grave concern over the hostages’ fate. The terror groups in Gaza are holding 47 of the 251 hostages abducted on 7 October 2023, along with the remains of at least 26 confirmed dead by the IDF. Twenty are believed to be alive, and two others’ well-being is uncertain, Israeli officials have said.On Saturday night, tens of thousands of Israelis rallied nationwide demanding the release of the captives. Demonstrations were held at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and Paris Square in Jerusalem, near Netanyahu’s residence. “The writing is on the wall,” said the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. “There will be no other time to save our brothers and sisters who have languished in [Hamas’s] for 713 days already. We will not permit the sacrifice of the hostages and soldiers. Together we’ll save Israel”.The rallies featured speeches from relatives of hostages, including Yotam Cohen, brother of Nimrod Cohen; Hanna Cohen, aunt of slain hostage Inbar Hayman; and former hostage Iair Horn, whose younger brother Eitan remains captive. The events concluded with Selichot, forgiveness prayers ahead of Rosh Hashana.
