The entire Jewish world is forced to watch once again with absolute sickness and disgust as Hamas continues to exploit hostage releases for a propaganda spectacle. The 4K filming and media theatrics are nothing more than a pathetic attempt to present the terror group as "humanitarians."
We all remember what Liri Albag, Karina Ariev, Naama Levy, and Daniella Gilboa looked like on the day of their kidnapping from the Nahal Oz base on Oct. 7. The footage of these girls (along with Agam Berger), taken in their pajamas, beaten and bloodied after they watched the operatives murder other girls in their unit, their hands bound while the Hamas operatives referred to them as "sabaya," (sex slaves). Watching that footage and seeing Naama grabbed by the hair with blood stains on her crotch traumatized the entire nation.
In a cruel effort to rewrite their atrocities, Hamas filmed the girls receiving certificates while forcing them to smile, thank Hamas, wave, and express how "grateful" they were in Arabic. They then paraded the girls on a stage that was set up for no other reason than to parade the captives in front of the cameras. They forced the women into fake green military-style uniforms, parading them on stage to feign gratitude. Smiling under duress, they were presented as trophies before a backdrop proclaiming, "Palestine – the victory of the oppressed people vs. the Nazi Zionism."
This theatrical performance was nothing short of a staged campaign by the terror group, not only to gain international legitimacy but also to make Jewish people around the world suffer while watching. Once again, young Jewish women are shown on camera, surrounded by genocidal men in uniform, as "civilians" jeer and film the spectacle with glee. It is a chilling reminder of Nazi Germany when Jews endured public humiliation by Nazi officials. During the twelve years of the Third Reich, ordinary citizens, police, military personnel, and SS officers targeted Jews and humiliated them on the streets. The objective was to reinforce the Nazis' racial ideology and assert their dominance.
Mainstream media's failure to challenge Hamas' propaganda, instead repeating claims that the women were kidnapped in uniform and willingly participated, adds insult to injury. This uncritical regurgitation aids Hamas' psychological warfare – a deliberate strategy to manipulate perceptions, spread terror, and destabilize societies. Outlets like the BBC claimed the girls were kidnapped in uniform (which they weren't), and other outlets commented on their smiles and waves on stage, as though the girls had chosen to parade themselves in this grotesque display.
This all happened just a day after Hamas breached the ceasefire agreement by failing to release female Israeli civilian Arbel Yehud, believed to be held by other terror groups in Gaza, and by failing to provide Israel with a list of the health conditions of the remaining hostages. This is no minor detail. By making the girls dress in fake uniforms, Hamas was attempting to insinuate that these young women were legitimate military targets.
Psychological warfare is a strategic tool used by Hamas to influence, intimidate, and manipulate populations, both within Israel and internationally. Through propaganda, disinformation, and fear-mongering, Hamas seeks to destabilize societies and undermine trust in governments. These grotesque theatre releases are designed to instill fear and insecurity. By parading Israeli hostages, forcing the Red Cross to sign certificates, and exploiting media coverage, Hamas amplifies the psychological impact of its actions, fostering a climate of terror that affects decision-making and societal morale.
Hamas' calculated use of psychological warfare through the humiliation and exploitation of Israeli hostages is meant to dehumanize, terrorize, and spread propaganda. The staged spectacle, designed to mask their atrocities and gain legitimacy, underscores their disregard for human dignity and international norms. By forcing these young women to participate in this grotesque theatre, Hamas not only perpetuates trauma but also manipulates global perceptions, fueling fear and undermining truth.
The world must recognize these tactics for what they are: deliberate acts of terror aimed at sowing division and prolonging suffering.
