Hamas has released a propaganda image depicting the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza, labeling them all as Ron Arad, an Israeli Air Force navigator missing since 1988. The image accuses Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of refusing a ceasefire-hostage release deal and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir of carrying out the Gaza City operation despite alleged opposition.
Hostage families expressed fears that without a deal, their loved ones may meet the same fate as Arad. Of the 48 hostages, Israeli officials say 20 are believed alive, at least 26 are confirmed dead, and concerns remain about two others. Hamas holds both civilians and soldiers, including remains of an IDF soldier killed in 2014.
Since October 7, 2023, when Hamas abducted 251 people, Israel and Hamas have engaged in several exchanges. Hamas has released a propaganda image and more than 140 hostages in stages — including Israeli civilians, soldiers, and foreign nationals — often during temporary truces. In return, Israel freed about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and terror suspects.
So far, eight hostages have been rescued, while 51 bodies have been recovered, including three accidentally killed by Israeli forces.