Hamas demands partial Israeli pullback in Gaza City, airstrike halt to rescue 2 captives

CAIRO – 28 September 2025: Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s military wing, called for a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops and a 24-hour pause for airstrikes, warning that the lives of two of the captives are “in real danger.”

Al-Qassam warned in a Telegram post today that they have lost contact with captives Omri Miran and Matan Angrest due to the military operations and heavy airstrikes in Sabra and Tel al-Hawa neighborhoods over the past two days.

"The lives of the two captives are in real danger, and the occupying forces must immediately withdraw to the south of Street 8 and suspend airstrikes for 24 hours starting from 18:00 this evening to allow an attempt to rescue them,” the brigades said.

“Those who warn are excused,” Al-Qassam added, reaffirming their stern warning.

Israeli tanks have intensified their incursions into the Sabra, Tel Al-Hawa, Sheikh Radwan, and Al-Naser neighborhoods, advancing toward the heart and western districts of Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of residents are seeking shelter, Reuters reported.

The ground offensive in Gaza City, home to nearly half of the enclave's 2.2 million population, started on September 16 following weeks of escalating airstrikes. The assault has forced hundreds of Palestinians to flee, though many remain trapped within the city.

Hamas still holds 48 Israeli captives in Gaza, with Israel believing around 20 to be alive. However, today’s statement from Al-Qassam casts doubt on the fate of Miran and Angrest.