IDF spokesman slams Hamas’s ‘cynical’ handover ceremony of released hostages

Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Hamas fighters gather on an apparently purpose-built stage at a square before handing over four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza City on January 25, 2025 (AFP)
Hamas fighters gather on an apparently purpose-built stage at a square before handing over four Israeli hostages to the Red Cross in Gaza City on January 25, 2025 (AFP)

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari slams Hamas’s “cynical” handover ceremony of released hostage soldiers Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy and Liri Albag earlier in Gaza City.

“Hamas is a murderous terror group. In the last few hours Hamas proved its cruelty by organizing a cynical ceremony,” he says.

Hagari says Hamas “presented a misrepresentation of treatment and care for the hostages, while in reality, it is cruelly holding innocent civilians for 477 days.”

“The mission will not end until all of them return to Israel,” he adds.

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