Hamas farewell photos
21st September 2025, Kathmandu
The armed wing of Hamas, the Qassam Brigades, recently published “farewell photos” of 48 hostages, including Nepali youth Bipin Joshi.
Hamas farewell photos
The release of these images comes as Israeli forces intensify their military operations in Gaza City. The photos were shared online and reportedly show both living and deceased captives.
This action by Hamas has intensified concerns about the safety of those still held in Gaza. The images were captioned with the name “Ron Arad,” a reference to an Israeli air force captain who disappeared in Lebanon in 1986. This has been interpreted as a chilling warning about the uncertain fate of the hostages.
A Chilling Message to Israel
Along with the photos, Hamas issued a stark message. The statement read, “This is a farewell photo, as military operations began in Gaza City due to Netanyahu’s rejection and Zmiray’s surrender.”
This message directly references Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to negotiate and Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir’s public objection to the government’s plan to “seize” Gaza City.
Hamas is clearly attempting to use the hostages’ lives as leverage in the ongoing conflict. They are blaming Israeli leadership for the perilous situation the hostages face.
Israeli officials estimate that about 20 hostages are still alive in Gaza. However, US President Donald Trump has suggested the number could be even lower. Both leaders have vowed to recover all hostages, living or dead, and to “destroy” Hamas.
This public stance from Israel and the US has added to the tension. The situation remains incredibly volatile and dangerous for the captives.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Hamas has consistently warned that the lives of the hostages are at risk due to Israeli aerial and ground attacks. The group has claimed that Israeli bombings have killed some of the captives.
They say the hostages are “scattered across different neighborhoods” of Gaza City. This makes any potential rescue operation incredibly difficult and dangerous.
The conflict has taken a devastating toll on the Palestinian population. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, since the war began in October 2023, Israeli attacks have killed at least 65,208 Palestinians and injured 166,271.
The humanitarian situation is becoming more critical. A recent report indicates that since the ceasefire was broken on March 18, 12,653 people have been killed and 54,230 injured.
The ongoing famine in Gaza has also resulted in more deaths. In the last 24 hours alone, at least four aid-seekers died and 18 were injured. This brings the total number of Palestinians killed while seeking aid to 2,518.
Gaza City Under Siege
Israel has declared Gaza City a war zone. This has led to the destruction of dozens of houses and the displacement of thousands of people.
The military’s actions have resulted in a severe and escalating humanitarian crisis. The ongoing attacks leave residents with little choice but to flee, often with few possessions.
The international community is watching this situation with growing alarm. There are mounting calls for a new ceasefire and a permanent solution to the conflict.
The fate of Bipin Joshi and the other hostages remains uncertain. Their families are living through a nightmare. They desperately want their loved ones to be returned safely.
The release of these photos serves as a painful reminder of the human cost of the conflict. It highlights the urgent need for a resolution that can bring an end to the suffering and bring the captives home.
The global community must act decisively to de-escalate the situation and protect civilian lives on all sides.
For more: Hamas farewell photos