Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
As Israeli ground forces expand their operations deep into Gaza City, a new psychological and military front appears to be opening. On Saturday, Hamas’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, released what it described as a “farewell photo” of the remaining Israeli hostages, a move laden with symbolism and threats, and one that coincided with one of the most intense days of fighting since the beginning of the conflict.
The image, published by Hamas on its official channels, shows several individuals with blurred faces, each labeled with the name “Ron Arad”, a direct reference to the Israeli airman who disappeared in Lebanon in 1986 and was never recovered. In Israel, Arad’s fate has become a haunting symbol of the unknown destiny of missing soldiers. Hamas’s use of his name carries an unmistakable message: the hostages may never return.
Heightened Threats Amid Urban Warfare
The release of the image was accompanied by renewed threats from Hamas. In a rare statement issued by what it called the “military leadership of Hamas” and not by its usual spokesperson Abu Obaida, whose absence has fueled speculation in Israel that he may have been killed the group warned that “the lives of your prisoners will not be guaranteed” if Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza.
“Your hostages are scattered across Gaza’s neighborhoods, and we will not concern ourselves with their fate as long as Netanyahu chooses to kill them,” the statement read. “If this criminal operation continues, you will not recover a single prisoner dead or alive.”
The escalation in rhetoric and symbolic messaging marks a potentially dangerous turn in the already volatile hostage issue, especially as the Israeli government faces growing domestic pressure to secure their release.
Israeli Ground Offensive Expands
On the ground, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued their large-scale operations inside Gaza City, particularly in and around the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. According to IDF statements, the 162nd Division is spearheading the current maneuvers, while the 98th Division is engaged in targeted operations aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure.
The Israeli military reported airstrikes on more than 100 Hamas-related targets within 24 hours, including underground tunnels, weapons depots, sniper positions, and explosive-laden facilities. The army also claimed to have killed several Hamas fighters and recovered weapons during these operations.
In southern Gaza, the 143rd Division also known as the Gaza Division, continues to operate in Khan Younis and Rafah, as the army maintains pressure across multiple fronts.
Israeli Soldier Wounded, Airstrikes Intensify
Amid the ongoing clashes, the Israeli military confirmed that a soldier from the 401st Brigade was moderately wounded by sniper fire in Sheikh Radwan and was evacuated to a hospital. The soldier’s family has been notified.
Saudi news outlet Al Arabiya described the recent Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City as “unprecedented,” with heavy bombardment reported across multiple neighborhoods. For the first time, Israeli tanks were seen advancing along Al-Jalaa Street one of Gaza City’s main thoroughfares marking a significant development in the urban campaign.
Photos published by the Associated Press captured scenes of destruction and chaos in the aftermath of these strikes, underscoring the rising toll on both infrastructure and civilians.
Mounting Pressure in Israel
Inside Israel, public pressure is intensifying. Families of the hostages staged a protest outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, demanding swift government action to bring their loved ones home. Among those present were the families of hostages Matan Angrist, Matan Zangauker, Guy Elouz, and Rom Braslavsky all urging the government to prioritize negotiations and avoid actions that could endanger the hostages’ lives.
A Crossroads in the Conflict
The combination of escalating military operations, growing civilian casualties, and the psychological warfare surrounding the hostages points to a dangerous inflection point in the ongoing conflict. Hamas’s release of the “farewell photo” is not just a symbolic act, it’s a signal of its hardened stance as the fighting intensifies.
For Israel, the balancing act between pursuing its military objectives and ensuring the safe return of hostages is becoming increasingly fraught. With both sides showing no signs of backing down, the humanitarian, political, and military stakes continue to rise.
