In a show of strength, Hamas orchestrated the release of four Israeli hostages in Gaza City over the weekend. The group led the women—all soldiers—onto a stage surrounded by masked fighters, turning the handover into a public spectacle.

The event took place in Palestine Square, an area heavily damaged by Israel’s bombing campaign. A banner on the stage declared in Hebrew, “Zionism will not win,” as hundreds of uniformed militants and civilians looked on. The hostages, dressed in military-style clothing, were escorted in SUVs and formally signed over to the Red Cross.

This wasn’t the first time Hamas has used hostage releases to make a statement. Just days earlier, three other hostages were freed in a similar display. Critics argue these events are less about diplomacy and more about projecting power and control in Gaza, despite months of intense conflict that have left cities in ruins.

The hostages, captured during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, were lookouts at a border base. Their release was filmed by militants, likely for future propaganda purposes.

While the handover marked a rare moment of international cooperation, it also highlighted Hamas’ ongoing ability to command attention in the region. The group’s actions continue to draw widespread scrutiny as the war in Gaza shows no signs of ending.

What do you think about these high-profile releases? Let us know in the comments.