Daijiworld Media Network - Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Sep 21: Hamas has released a propaganda image of the 48 remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza, labeling each of them “Ron Arad,” the Israeli Air Force navigator missing since 1988, in an apparent taunt as Israeli forces gear up for a major assault on Gaza City.

The image accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rejecting a last-minute ceasefire-for-hostages deal and blames IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir for “capitulation,” according to the Times of Israel. Hamas claimed the Israeli leadership is prolonging the captives’ ordeal as the IDF warns of “unprecedented force” and continues airstrikes on tunnels and high-rises in Gaza City.

Hamas official Bassem Naim warned of “fierce resistance,” threatening that any attack on Gaza City would endanger the hostages. Families of the captives have accused Netanyahu of using the conflict to remain in power, saying their loved ones’ lives have become a political tool.

According to Israeli officials, 47 of the 251 hostages abducted on October 7, 2023, remain in Gaza, including at least 20 believed alive and the remains of 26 confirmed dead.

On Saturday night, tens of thousands rallied across Israel, including at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv and outside Netanyahu’s Jerusalem residence, demanding an immediate deal to free the captives. Relatives led emotional speeches and Selichot prayers, insisting, “There will be no other time to save our brothers and sisters who have languished for 713 days already.”