The three Israeli hostages freed by Hamas appeared to receive “gift bags” containing mementos from their time in captivity, following their release on Sunday.
Hamas released a video showing hostages Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, being handed paper bags bearing the logo of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’s armed wing, through the window of a vehicle.
The hostages were filmed smiling as they held up the bags, which reportedly contained “gifts and souvenirs” of them in captivity, including certificates.
Hamas operatives presented each hostage with a bag – AFP
Israeli media reported that each certificate was signed and inscribed with a “release decision”.
According to Israeli outlet Ynet, the bags also consisted of photos of the hostages while they were in captivity and a map of the Gaza Strip.
The hostages then proceeded to get on a small white minibus with the bags and were driven to Al-Saraya Square in Gaza City, a meeting point where they were handed over to the Red Cross.
After giving the hostages bags, Hamas displayed documentation – Reuters
They told the Jerusalem Post the bags were a “cynical game”, suggesting they may have been a propaganda tactic by Hamas.
However, the purpose of the bags was not immediately clear.
The Telegraph has contacted the Red Cross for comment.
Ms Damari, Ms Gonen and Ms Steinbrecher were the first hostages released as a result of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire on Sunday.
Under the deal, 33 Israeli hostages are meant to be released in the coming six weeks in return for the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
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