The images of Liri, Naama, Daniela, and Karina on stage in Palestine Square appeared across major global media outlets. Headlines focused on Hamas's staged handover ceremony and its messaging. CNN reported "Hamas trying to show it still controls Gaza" while BBC noted "The soldiers held hands and waved - in front of hundreds of Hamas operatives."
Major news organizations covered both aspects: the emotional reunions with families and Hamas's orchestrated event. BBC described "Young women exiting vehicles facing masked gunmen - taken to a carefully prepared stage. They wore ribbons around their necks, as did the armed men beside them. Hundreds of Hamas operatives and Gazans watched them."
The Spanish El Pais termed it a "victory ceremony," reporting "Hamas released four Israeli soldiers in apparently good health" during an event "broadcast live worldwide." They noted Hamas's message of maintaining power in Gaza "contrary to Israel's primary objective in the current conflict."
CNN emphasized the staging: "A platform was erected in Palestine Square, guarded by hundreds of masked gunmen carrying automatic weapons. The women, dressed in improvised military uniforms, were brought to a stage with a banner reading 'Zionism will not win.'"
French and Italian media also covered both perspectives of the exchange - the release of the four Israelis and 200 Palestinian prisoners. France 24 highlighted "dozens of masked and armed men gathered" before the handover, while La Repubblica described "The four Israeli soldiers appeared in uniform in Palestine Square, holding hands before cameras on Hamas's stage."
Associated Press noted Hamas's intended message: "The Israelis smiled and waved, with gunmen standing on both sides. Hamas is trying to show it still controls Gaza after 15 months of war."
Channel 12 contributed to this article.
0 Comments