- Apr 30, 2026
International Desk | PNN
Hamas has claimed that with Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza City, ordered by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, all chances of releasing hostages have ended. In a message sent Thursday night to Israeli leadership, Hamas’ military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, warned that the operation effectively amounts to a death sentence for the hostages.
According to Hamas, the hostages are spread across different areas of Gaza City, and once Netanyahu has decided to kill them, their safety will no longer be considered.
Meanwhile, Israeli military spokesperson Efi Deffin said at a press conference on Thursday, “The hostages are always at the center of our concerns. We will do our utmost to avoid harming them.” However, many families fear that the city-entry operation could result in the deaths of their loved ones. Currently, there are 48 Israeli hostages in Gaza, of whom around 20 are believed to be alive.
During a protest in front of Netanyahu’s residence, one hostage’s mother, Ainav Jangawkar, broke down in tears, addressing the Prime Minister: “Tell me, how could you lie to my face and say you would bring everyone back?”
Meanwhile, the Israeli forces continue to carry out intense airstrikes and shelling on Gaza City. The United Nations has warned that this offensive could deepen the humanitarian catastrophe. Several areas in Gaza have already been declared famine-stricken.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that in the past 24 hours, four more people have died from malnutrition, including a child. Since the start of the war, famine-related deaths have reached 435.
Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed.
