ALBAWABA - According to the Wall Street Journal, Hamas is humiliating Israel and projecting its power in Gaza via captive releases, which might endanger the tenuous truce.
Rory Jones and Summer Said's research claims that Hamas has purposefully made the captive release procedure a public spectacle. The initial exchange set the pattern, with Israeli detainees having to dash toward Red Cross officials after being encircled by crowds.
The rescue of two captives close to the remains of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar's old home was a particularly dramatic event that marked a change in Hamas strategy. In another case, Red Cross transport was purposefully held at a distance, and three Israeli captives fought to get out of Hamas vehicles because of the thronging masses.
According to the source, Hamas' plan is to make every captive transfer more difficult in order to demonstrate its might and damage Israel's reputation abroad. Yossi Kuperwasser, a former Israeli intelligence officer, cautioned that Hamas is using these events as a theatrical show, which he thinks might backfire.
The manner in which the captives were turned over was denounced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said, "The scenes during the release of our hostages were appalling." I've insisted that mediators make sure these kinds of things don't happen again and that our prisoners get respect.
Israelis were shocked to see the live captive handovers in Tel Aviv, according to the article. Many clapped in joy as the captives were verified safe, despite their initial discomfort at the chaotic circumstances.
The story also claimed that four Israeli women soldiers who were released by Hamas were had to wear green clothing that looked like military uniforms. Hamas also flew a huge Palestinian flag and a banner that said, “Jabalia is the graveyard of Givati” during another release in Jabalia, a clear allusion to the Israeli military unit that was severely damaged in the region.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Hamas' strategies might make future discussions more difficult and jeopardize the chances of a long-lasting truce, even if both parties are scheduled to begin talks on Monday for a permanent accord that could put an end to hostilities and ensure the release of the remaining Israeli prisoners.
