Hamas’s Grisly Spectacle and the Horrors of Hostage Propaganda
A Grisly Display in Gaza
Thursday’s events in Gaza unfolded like a scene from a macabre play, a grim addition to a long-running series of atrocities. Hamas gunmen paraded coffins containing the remains of four Israelis: Oded Lifshitz, an elderly peace activist, and the Bibas family—Shiri, a mother, and her two young children, Ariel and Kfir, aged four and nine months, respectively. The coffins were handed over to the Red Cross as part of a cease-fire agreement. However, the true horror emerged when Israeli coroners revealed that the children had been murdered, and the body in Shiri’s coffin was not hers. A label on her coffin ludicrously claimed she had been "arrested" for being Jewish. The international community, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, condemned this act as a violation of human dignity.
The Propaganda War: Staging Sadism as Nationalism
Hamas’s use of theatrics for propaganda is not new. Since October 7, when the group invaded southern Israel, they have meticulously documented their atrocities, using GoPro cameras and social media to disseminate their brutality. This distorted form of Palestinian nationalism has misled some in the West, particularly students, into supporting their cause. Hostages like Daniella Gilboa and Hanna Katzir were forced to stage their own deaths, with false claims spread about their fates. Hamas’s propaganda aims to obscure their defeat on the battlefield by winning a perverse media war, despite the devastation it brings to Gaza’s civilians.
The Bibas Family Tragedy: Deception and Devastation
The Bibas family’s ordeal took a turn for the worse when Hamas handed over incorrect bodies, later attributing it to a "mix-up." However, this confusion likely stemmed from the involvement of smaller groups like the Mujahideen Brigades. Despite the uncertainty, Hamas ludicrously blamed Israel for the deaths. The true extent of Hamas’s control over the hostages’ remains remains unclear, but their manipulation of the situation is evident. This case underscores their strategy of compounding cruelty with deception.
Psychological Warfare: Humiliation and Falsehood
Hamas has escalated its psychological tactics, using public humiliation to break the spirits of hostages and their families. Eli Sharabi was forced to speak of reuniting with his family, unaware they had been killed. Yarden Bibas, Shiri’s husband, was paraded before cameras, ignorant of his family’s fate. Omer Shem Tov was coerced into kissing his captors, a moment widely shared on social media. Two hostages were forced to watch their comrades’ release, then beg for their lives in a propaganda clip. These acts highlight Hamas’s intention to inflict maximum psychological pain.
The Chilling Release of Hisham al-Sayed
Hisham al-Sayed, a mentally ill Bedouin Israeli held for nearly a decade, was released quietly, revealing the long-term psychological damage inflicted by his captivity. His father described his broken state, contradicting Hamas’s claim of respect. This case lays bare the immense suffering endured by hostages and their families, challenging Hamas’s deceitful narratives.
The Human Cost of Hamas’s Propaganda
Hamas’s actions demand a suspension of humanity, reducing hostages to pawns in a twisted game. The international community must recognize the suffering behind these propaganda stunts and hold perpetrators accountable. The Bibas family’s tragedy, among others, serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of such atrocities, urging the world to seek justice and compassion for the victims.
