Middle East: Israel under pressure as Gaza attack continues

• Hamas publishes 'farewell' photos of remaining hostages in warning to Israel

• Baerbock says conference on two-state solution can increase pressure on Israel

• Israeli strikes kill at least 14 in Gaza City as offensive intensifies

You can read about developments in Israel, the Palestinian territories and the Middle East on Saturday, September 20, below.

Hamas warns hostages may disappear if Israeli assault continues

The armed wing of Hamas published "farewell" photographs of most of the remaining hostages in Gaza, warning that Israel's assault on Gaza City could endanger them.

The militant group invoked comparisons with Ron Arad, an Israeli air force navigator whose plane went down over southern Lebanon in 1986. Arad was initially believed to be held by militant groups in Lebanon, and he is now presumed dead. His remains were never returned.

On Saturday, Hamas militants released 47 photographs of hostages, each with the name "Ron Arad" written underneath.

"Due to [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's obstinacy ... a farewell photograph taken at the start of the operation in Gaza City," Hamas wrote alongside the photos.

Of the 251 people seized by Palestinian militants during their attack on Israel in October 2023, 47 remain in Gaza. The Israeli military says that 25 of them are dead.

Baerbock says two-state solution conference can raise pressure on Israel

Annalena Baerbock, the current president of the UN General Assembly and former German foreign minister, said that next week's conference on a two-state solution can increase pressure on Israel to end the war.

On Monday, representatives of UN member states will discuss the two-state solution at an international conference at the UN headquarters.

Talking to Deutschlandfunk radio, Baerbock said the conference in New York will make it clear that nations do not accept "that international law is being violated time and again, for example, by the Israeli government not allowing any relief supplies or humanitarian aid into Gaza, by repeatedly attacking civilian areas."

This conference comes ahead of the UN General Assembly set to start on Tuesday. Previously, several countries, including France, Belgium, Australia, the UK and Canada, announced that they would officially recognize Palestine as a state at the upcoming UN session.

However Baerbock also warned that recognition would not be enough to stop the war. "The world is by no means that simple," she said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently rejected the idea of a two-state solution.

Many people killed in Gaza City as Israeli offensive continues

At least 14 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City on Saturday, according to medical sources. This comes as Israel continues its military offensive in the Gaza Strip's largest city, despite international criticism.

The Israeli military did not immediately comment.

Recently, Israel urged hundreds of thousands of Palestinians sheltering in Gaza City to move south to a designated humanitarian zone.

Welcome to our coverage

Welcome to DW's coverage of Gaza, Israel and the wider Middle East.

Western countries are growing increasingly frustrated with the intensifying war in Gaza. Some are considering recognizing Palestinian statehood during the United Nations General Assembly, which will bring world leaders together next week.

Meanwhile, Israel is ramping up its offensive in Gaza City.

Follow along as DW brings you the latest reports, explainers and analysis on developments across the Middle East.

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