Sat Sep 20 12:51:05 UTC 2025: **Hamas Releases “Farewell Picture” of Captives, Blames Israel for Their Fate as Gaza Offensive Intensifies**

**Gaza City** – The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, has released a disturbing image depicting all living and deceased Israeli captives held in Gaza, accompanied by a statement blaming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military leaders for their potential demise. The image, dubbed a “farewell picture,” was released as Israeli forces intensify their ground invasion and air raids on Gaza City, the enclave’s largest urban center.

The picture shows 48 faces captioned “Ron Arad”, referencing the Israeli air force captain who went missing in Lebanon in 1986. The accompanying text accuses Netanyahu of refusing a deal to end the conflict and blames military operations led by army chief Eyal Zamir, despite internal objections to the “conquest” plans for Gaza City.

Hamas has repeatedly warned that escalating Israeli attacks endanger the lives of the captives, claiming some have already been killed by Israeli strikes and that they are “scattered throughout the neighbourhoods” of Gaza City.

Israeli authorities believe approximately 20 captives remain alive. Both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu have vowed to bring all captives, living or dead, home and to “destroy” Hamas.

The release of the image comes ahead of expected mass protests in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, where citizens will demand an immediate deal to end the war and secure the release of the captives. Hamas has previously released videos of Israeli captives, sparking outrage and concern among families and international officials.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 65,208 Palestinians have been killed and 166,271 wounded since October 2023. At least four aid seekers have been killed and 18 wounded over the past day, bringing the total number of Palestinian aid seekers killed to 2,518 people. Dozens more have been killed in Gaza City, with thousands forced to flee as the area is designated a combat zone.

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