Hamas’ Qassam Brigades released three Israeli hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, after 471 days in captivity on Sunday night. The militants handed each of them a paper bag with the group’s logo and presented them with a “release decision” certificate.
The bags contained additional items, including a necklace and photos, which were confiscated by Israel’s Shin Bet agency. A Red Cross representative was asked to sign an Arabic-language document acknowledging the receipt of the hostages. The gesture is seen as an attempt by Hamas to present itself as an undefeated governing body with “serious and legal protocols” for handling Israeli civilians.
The release has sparked debate in Israel, with some hailing it as a ceasefire victory and others criticizing it as a capitulation. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, admitted that the country had not met its objective of dismantling Hamas’ military and government. The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, warned that Hamas’ recruitment of new militants poses a threat to an enduring insurgency and perpetual war.
The gesture has also fueled divisions within the international community, with some hailing it as a humanitarian achievement and others criticizing Hamas’ tactics. A few dozen Qassam militants gathered in Gaza City’s Al Saraya Junction, sending a message to Israel’s public that Hamas is still in control.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/20/middleeast/hamas-video-hostages-gift-bags-intl/index.html