For a few moments on Sunday, it looked like the Israel-Hamas ceasefire might not have gone forward, thanks to a nearly three-hour delay caused by the terrorist organisation. Then, when it did begin and three hostages made their way back to Israel, Hamas made sure that it got the last laugh over those held captive.
Emily Damari, 28, Romi Gonen, 24, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31, who were captured during the October 7th terror attacks, 471 days ago, were given what have been described as “gift bags” by Hamas.
These contained “souvenirs” from their time in captivity, according to Israeli outlet Ynet, including a photo of Gaza. One Jerusalem official quoted in the paper said the items amount to a
cynical and psychological exploitation of women who were deprived of their freedom by monsters.
Long-time British broadcaster Colin Brazier added that while “few twists in human affairs leave me numb,” to “trivialise an ordeal that has left them [former hostages] irrevocably scarred” is “perversely wicked beyond all rational measure.”
As part of this first stage of the ceasefire, which Hamas has already effectively promised to break, the terror group must free 33 hostages over six weeks, while Israel is required to release 737 Palestinian prisoners, including Jihadi terrorists. Israel will then be required to withdraw its forces from Gaza, which critics say will allow Hamas to rebuild, ready for another October 7th-style pogrom.
Ahead of the conclusion of ceasefire talks, Gaza activists in the West again revealed their true colours, including in London where more than 70 protesters were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of breaching protest conditions. The Campaign Against Antisemitism said those breaking police lines posed a “threat” to synagogues. Commander Adam Slonecki, who headed the policing operation in the capital, also accused march organisers of a “deliberate effort to breach the conditions.”
Chief steward Chris Nineham, 62—formerly of Westminster School and Clare College Cambridge and son of Reverend Professor Dennis Nineham, the Warden of Keble College—was among those arrested amid the disorder.
Despite Hamas’ final taunting of these three hostages—and, presumably, of those who are yet to be released—European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said she was hopeful that their freedom will mark the “start of a new chapter for Israel and the Palestinian people,” adding that “the ceasefire must hold.”
