In a bizarre twist during the release of three Israeli hostages by Hamas, the militant group handed each woman a “gift bag” as they boarded a Red Cross vehicle. The bags, marked with the logo of Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, contained a mix of items that have since sparked widespread discussion. The hostages—Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari—were seen carrying the bags in footage released by the Israel Defense Forces, though the Qassam Brigades logo was blurred. According to a family representative, Gonen’s bag included a certificate, a necklace, and photos. While details about the photos remain unclear, Israeli media reports suggest they depicted the women’s time in captivity. The certificate, written in Hebrew and Arabic, declared the “release decision,” while a Red Cross representative signed an acknowledgment of receipt for the three prisoners. The gesture, though seemingly small, carried a deeper message. Hamas appeared to be positioning itself as a legitimate governing body, complete with formal protocols, even in the context of releasing hostages taken during its October 2023 attack on Israel. The scene in Gaza City’s Al Saraya Junction further emphasized this narrative. A line of Qassam militants stood in formation, a visual statement aimed at both Israelis and the international community. For some, the images reinforced the belief that Hamas remains a formidable force, despite months of conflict. For others, they highlighted the challenges of achieving lasting peace. Israel’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, acknowledged that the country had not yet achieved its goal of dismantling Hamas’ military and government. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that Hamas’ recruitment efforts could lead to a prolonged insurgency. The “gift bags” may seem like a small detail, but they underscore the complex dynamics at play in the ongoing conflict—and the lengths to which Hamas will go to shape its image.