When Hamas’ military wing, the Qassam Brigades, released its propaganda video of three Israeli hostages being released Sunday night, a notable detail emerged. As Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari entered a Red Cross SUV in Gaza City, a Hamas militant handed each of them a paper bag adorned with the Qassam Brigades’ logo – a gesture akin to a 'gift bag.'
The masked militant then displayed a certificate in Hebrew and Arabic that read “release decision.” Subsequent footage released by the Israel Defense Forces showed each woman carrying the bag, albeit with the Qassam Brigades logo blurred.
A spokesperson for Gonen’s family disclosed on Monday that the bag she received contained the certificate, a necklace, and photos. It was mentioned that Israel’s Internal Security Agency (the Shin Bet) had confiscated these items. While specifics about the photos were not provided, Israeli media reports suggest that they depicted the women’s period of captivity.
