In a shocking move, Hamas gave “gift bags” to Israeli hostages before releasing them to the Red Cross. The strange gesture has left many questioning the motives behind it.
Bizarre items inside the bags
The bags contained bizarre items, including photos of the hostages in captivity, a commemorative picture of Gaza, and certificates that seemed more like trophies. According to reports from Israeli outlet Ynet, the hostages—Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—were filmed as they were loaded into a car. In an unsettling moment, a Hamas terrorist silently handed each of them a paper bag with the group’s crest. Without any explanation, the women were seen holding up gold-gilded certificates, almost like high school diplomas. Their smiles appeared forced as they were quickly ushered away by armed, masked men.
The video, shared by the Jerusalem Post, made it clear that this was no act of kindness. The hostages described the gift bags as a “cynical game,” meant to manipulate them. Hamas seemed to be using the situation as a propaganda stunt.
Chaotic scenes in Gaza City
The rest of the footage, released by the Times of Israel, showed the hostages being driven through the streets of Gaza City in a rundown motorcade, surrounded by gun-toting terrorists. As they traveled, local crowds surrounded the vehicles, pounding on the windows and chanting in Arabic. The scene was chaotic, with the cars frequently forced to stop as the crowds refused to move.
Despite the disturbing spectacle, the hostages eventually reached a convoy of Red Cross vehicles. They were handed over and driven to safety, marking the end of their ordeal.
The bizarre act has raised questions about their true intentions and the manipulation behind the gesture. As the hostages were driven through Gaza City, surrounded by chaotic crowds and armed militants, it became clear that the situation was being used for propaganda. The unsettling footage highlights the cruelty behind the so-called “gift,” leaving the world questioning the true nature of Hamas’ actions.
