Hamas makes statement with each release of Israeli hostages
(MENAFN) Hamas has been making a statement with each release of Israeli hostages, turning the process into a display of its dominance over Gaza. The group has orchestrated humiliating scenes for Israel, highlighting its control over the situation. This began with the release of the first Israeli hostages, where large crowds gathered around Hamas vehicles, forcing the female detainees to rush to Red Cross officials waiting to take them to safety. Later, when two hostages were freed from the rubble of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's house, the scene was even more chaotic, with hostages struggling to escape from Hamas vehicles due to the surrounding crowds. The lack of nearby Red Cross vehicles this time added to the confusion.
Hamas has turned each release into a carefully staged event, aiming to display its strength and embarrass Israel, all while warning of the potential collapse of the fragile ceasefire. Yossi Koperwasser, a former head of Israeli military intelligence, stated that Hamas seeks to turn the releases into a spectacle, but warned that this tactic could backfire. Despite Israel's anger over the situation, the mediators worked hard to ensure that the exchange went ahead, and Israel ultimately released the 110 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed grave concern about the disturbing scenes during the hostages' release, urging mediators to prevent such incidents in the future and ensure the safety of future hostages.
The release of four female soldiers last Saturday drew particular criticism. The soldiers were forced to wear green outfits resembling military uniforms, and a large Palestinian flag was displayed during the release of a detainee from the rubble of Jabalia. A poster read, “Jabalia is the grave of Givati,” referencing the Israeli military unit that had suffered heavy losses in the area. Although there are doubts about the possibility of negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a permanent ceasefire, both sides are expected to begin talks on Monday to finalize an agreement that would end the conflict and secure the release of the remaining Israeli hostages.
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