Hamas’s militant wing on Saturday published a group of hostage photos on its Telegram channel and described them as “farewell” photos, a move that was synchronized with Israel’s intensified ground fighting in Gaza City. The photos—at least dozens of them—were accompanied by a charge of blame against Israeli leaders and a threat that captives could suffer the same end as Ron Arad, an Israeli Air Force navigator who disappeared after parachuting out over Lebanon in 1986.
Newsrooms differed on the exact number: 48 faces, or 47 or 46, but all photos carried the caption “Ron Arad” and a serial number. The exhibition suggested peril that hostages could “vanish” without a deal.
Among the photographs was Nepali national Bipin Joshi, who had been taken from Kibbutz Alumim on Oct. 7, 2023, Kathmandu-based media that received the collection reported.
Arad’s hearing has been heard in Israel for decades. He ejected from an F-4 Phantom on October 16, 1986, was captured by the Amal militia and then transferred, his status never officially determined although exhaustively sought. He is presumed dead.
Israeli estimates put approximately 48 hostages remaining in Gaza; officials and top Israeli media have cited “about 20” as being believed alive, repeated in recent weeks. President Donald Trump earlier Saturday said the number could be fewer than 20, which Israeli media covered citing that the government’s official estimates still remain in the range.
The move was announced as Israeli forces pushed further into Gaza City following a declaration that this week would be an increased ground operation. Dozens were reported killed in overnight bombing, Gaza’s health authorities said, and Israel said the operation is designed to address Hamas infrastructure constructed deep within congested cities.
Families of the hostages gathered again Saturday night all over Israel and demanded a bargain before the fighting increased. Planners say the Gaza City attack can put the remaining hostages at risk and reduce chances for recovery of the dead.
Jerusalem officials refused to confirm the new set, which appears to be headed for psychological pressure as a propaganda tool. There was no outside confirmation of each picture, but multiple Israeli, Asian and European sources reported the posting and message thereon.
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