'Because of Netanyahu...': Hamas releases 'farewell' photo of hostages

Picture of hostages shared by Hamas

Hamas, on Saturday, shared a compilation picture of 47 Israeli hostages who remain in Gaza, saying that the image was a "farewell" picture and that each hostage has been labelled as "Ron Arad" - which is a reference to the Israeli Air Force navigator who was held captive in 1986. The hostages have also been given a number.

The image surfaced along with text - that accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rejecting a ceasefire-hostage deal. It also blamed the IDF Chief of Staff for allowing the invasion of Gaza despite reported opposition.

"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 read.

Israeli publication Ynet reported that officials have confirmed that out of 47 hostages, only 20 are said to be alive. Two hostages are believed to be in a grave condition. "Your prisoners are distributed within the neighbourhoods of Gaza City, and we will not be concerned for their lives as long as Netanyahu has decided to kill them," a statement from al-Qassam Brigades, as reported by CNN.

"The commencement of this criminal operation and its expansion means that you will not receive any prisoner, neither alive nor dead, and their fate will be the same as that of (Ron Arad)," the statement said.

Hamas had earlier released 30 hostages during the ceasefire between January and March 2024. This included 20 Israeli civilians, five soldiers and five Thai nationals. Moreover, eight bodies of Israeli captives were also released. After that, an American-Israeli hostage was also released as a "gesture" to the United States.

Israel, in exchange, released 2,000 prisoners and detainees, media has reported.