Hamas said Sunday it lost contact with two hostages during Israeli operations in Gaza City, as Israeli forces expanded their ground campaign and tanks advanced into northern neighborhoods.
In a statement, the al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, demanded Israel pull back to the south of Street Eight and suspend air operations for 24 hours so its fighters could attempt to locate the captives.
It was the first time Hamas publicly hinted at the location of hostages.
The two were among 251 people seized in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200. Israeli officials said 48 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed alive.
Israel has not commented on Hamas’ statement.
Relatives of hostages have repeatedly raised concerns that the offensive in Gaza City, which the government argues is needed to crush remaining Hamas forces, could threaten the safety of those still in captivity.
In a statement, Hostages and Missing Families Forum said families are working with authorities to assess Hamas’ statement and asked that names not be made public.
According to the IDF, its air force struck 140 targets in Gaza City over the past day as the offensive continued. The strikes hit underground tunnels, weapons storage facilities, observation posts, and other military infrastructure. The IDF said dozens of militants were killed.
⭕️OPERATIONAL UPDATE:
📍Gaza City:
IDF troops along with the IAF dismantled military structures & combat compounds, and identified and eliminated several terrorists firing an anti-tank missile.📍Southern Gaza:
IDF troops eliminated terrorists and dismantled observation… pic.twitter.com/IoB52n2KQ6— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 28, 2025
🔴 ELIMINATED: Terrorist cell hiding in a weapons storage facility in Gaza City.
Our troops:
▪️Eliminated dozens of terrorists
▪️Dismantled tunnel shafts and underground tunnel routes
▪️Uncovered concealed weapons hidden in civilian areasToday, a terrorist attempting to plant… pic.twitter.com/IXSrhoD0vO
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 28, 2025
The Hamas-run health ministry reported that Israeli strikes killed at least 77 people across the territory in the past 24 hours.
The developments came ahead of a meeting in Washington between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, where the two are expected to finalize a Gaza peace proposal.
Trump said in a phone interview with Reuters on Sunday that his Gaza peace plan proposal had drawn positive responses from Israel and Arab leaders, adding that there was broad interest in reaching a deal.
Hamas’s attempt to shift blame to Israel for the hostages. If Hamas didn’t take them in the first place, it would be moot! Proximal Cause.