The montage is captioned in Arabic and Hebrew with a clear warning: “Due to Netanyahu’s refusal and Zamir’s submission, a farewell photo for the start of Operation Gaza.”
UPDATE: Hamas has threatened that none of the remaining Israeli hostages will return alive as Israeli forces escalate their offensive in Gaza City. The Palestinian militant organization released a chilling photo montage on Saturday, showcasing images of 47 hostages alongside the name of Ron Arad, an Israeli soldier captured in 1986 whose fate remains unknown.
This alarming development comes as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza City, prompting fears for the safety of hostages. Hamas claims that approximately 20 of the 47 hostages are still alive, a precarious situation that families are watching closely, warning of dire consequences from the ongoing conflict.
In the photo montage, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of refusing to negotiate a ceasefire and release the hostages, while also condemning military chief Eyal Zamir for his role in the operations despite reported opposition. The montage issued a stark warning: “Due to Netanyahu’s refusal and Zamir’s submission, a farewell photo for the start of Operation Gaza.”
As Israeli airstrikes continue, at least 14 fatalities have been reported overnight in Gaza City, according to local health officials. The situation is rapidly evolving as international frustration mounts over the conflict, with countries like Portugal planning to recognize Palestinian statehood as early as Sunday. This recognition is part of a broader shift among nations, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and others, to support Palestinian sovereignty during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly.
Israel’s military aims to dismantle Hamas’ military infrastructure, but has not provided a timeline for the operation, which is expected to last for months. In response to the escalating violence, Israel has urged hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate south to designated humanitarian zones, even opening a corridor for safe passage earlier this week.
Families of the hostages are pleading for urgent action and negotiations to save their loved ones. With tensions at an all-time high and the humanitarian situation worsening, the world watches closely as developments unfold.
As of now, the stakes are higher than ever, with the lives of hostages hanging in the balance amid a rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza. This is a developing story, and updates are expected as both sides prepare for the next phase of this escalating conflict.
