Three Israeli hostages freed by Hamas were seen receiving “gift bags” containing memorabilia from their time in captivity, after their release on Sunday.
Hamas released a video showing the kidnappers Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, being handed paper bags with the logo of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, an armed wing of Hamas, through a car window.
The kidnappers were photographed smiling and holding up bags, which reportedly contained “gifts and souvenirs” from their arrest, including certificates.
Hamas operatives gave each hostage a bag – AFP
Israeli media reported that each certificate was signed and dated with a “liberation decision”.
According to the Israeli news outlet, Ynet, these bags also contained pictures of the hostages while they were in custody and a map of the Gaza Strip.
The kidnappers then boarded a small white van with bags and were taken to Al-Saraya Square in Gaza City, a meeting place where they were handed over to the Red Cross.
After giving the hostages the bags, Hamas showed the documents – Reuters
They told the Jerusalem Post that the bags were “a trick”, suggesting they may have been a Hamas propaganda ploy.
However, the purpose of these bags was not yet 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 agreement, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released in the next six weeks to free nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
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