On September 20, Hamas released a photo called farewell picture featuring 48 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Each individual was given the name Ron Arad - the name of an Israeli pilot who has been missing since 1986 - with his own number.
The photo was taken as Israel stepped up its military campaign in Gaza City, while Hamas accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of refusing to negotiate a ceasefire and release hostages.
At the same time, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported that at least 60 Palestinians were killed in new airstrikes and shelling in Gaza, mostly civilians.
High-rise buildings were destroyed, streets were engulfed in smoke, and more than 500,000 people have been displaced since early September. Hamas said there are still about 900,000 residents in Gaza City, including Israeli hostages.
The Israeli military said it was destroying Hamas' underground tunnels, weapons depots, and command postings, using both air and artillery to pave the way for a ground attack. They also believe that many buildings are believed to have mines or traps.
International media warned that the humanitarian situation is extremely serious: Lack of food, water, electricity, medicine; many people are living in temporary tents on the streets with extremely poor conditions. The evacuation was hampered by traffic congestion, road destruction and fear of insecurity.
In the photo published by Hamas, the message is clearly addressed to the Israeli government: If the attack continues, hope of saving the hostages will be very fragile. The photo is also seen as a psychological blow - a warning before Israel goes further into Gaza city.
Israel has said its goal is to destroy Hamas infrastructure and strategic locations, while trying to minimize casualties for civilians. The Israeli government also said the destruction of some residential areas was to clear access routes and remove secret bases.
