Hamas Uses Despicable Hostage Video to Propagandize and Pressure Israel
Hamas, the terror group that controls the Gaza Strip, has once again stooped to despicable levels in its ongoing conflict with Israel. On Monday, they released a propaganda video featuring Israeli hostages pleading for their release and berating the nation's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netnayahu.
The three women in the video – identified as Danielle Aloni, Rimon Buchshtab Kirsht, and Lena Trupanov – were taken hostage during Hamas' brutal attack on October 7th. Along with 243 other innocent civilians, the hostages were dragged into the Strip by Hamas and allied terror factions. It is not known how many of the hostages are still alive.
A screenshot from a propaganda video released by Hamas on October 30, 2023, showing three Israeli hostages: Rimon Buchshtab Kirsht (left), Danielle Aloni (center), and Lena Trupanov (right)
The video, filmed in an unknown location, shows the hostages accusing Netnayahu of failing to prevent the devastating attack that killed over 1,400 people, many of them civilians, while also calling for their freedom.
But this is not the first time Hamas has used propaganda tactics to manipulate the media through lies and propaganda.
In fact, they have a history of releasing hostages, only to kidnap more in exchange. Four hostages have already been released, including an American-Israeli mother and daughter, as well as two elderly Israeli women. These releases, brokered by Qatar, have only served to empower Hamas and prolong the conflict.
Danielle Aloni, 44, and her daughter Emilia were visiting Aloni’s sister Sharon Aloni Cunio and family when they were abducted from Kibbutz Nir Oz on October 7, 2023. (Courtesy)
In response to the atrocities committed by Hamas, Israel has vowed to destroy the terror group and use all necessary means to free their citizens. However, they have also been careful to limit their ground offensive to avoid putting the hostages' lives in danger.
But as the Israel Defense Forces intensify their operation in Gaza, Hamas has resorted to using psychological tactics to weaken the Israeli people's resolve. This includes using the hostage negotiations to buy time and resources for their military campaign.
At a press conference held Monday evening, the families of the hostages appealed to the Red Cross and Qatar to take action and help bring their loved one’s home. They also expressed how crucial the support of friends and strangers has been during this difficult time.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with his wife Sara, meets with representatives of families whose loved ones are being held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, October 28, 2023. (GPO)
The Prime Minister's Office has condemned the hostage video as "cruel psychological propaganda" used by Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu has assured the hostages' families that the government is doing everything in its power to secure their release.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has also shown his support for bringing the hostages home, stating that the social contract between citizens and the state is "broken" until all captives are repatriated.
The defense minister has dismissed the latest offer by Hamas to release all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners as "psychological games." He has emphasized that military pressure on Hamas is necessary for any progress to be made.
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Meanwhile, Hamas leaders continue to play games and manipulate the situation while innocent civilians, including women, children, and the elderly, suffer.
The Israeli government is apparently doing everything it can to end this conflict and bring its citizens home. It is time for the international community to step up and condemn Hamas' terrorist tactics. Innocent lives are at stake, and action must be taken to put an end to this cycle of violence.