Hamas video showing release of 2 Hostages
The release of Judith and Natalie Ra'anan by their Hamas captors on Friday was a momentary ray of light in the darkness engulfing Israelis since October 7. But this was a cynical act by the terror group, meant to achieve a number of goals: to improve the image of Hamas in the world, and especially in the U.S., to bring Israeli public opinion to pressure its leadership to agree to a prisoner swap rather than a ground offensive, and to buy time and delay an invasion of Gaza.
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The video clip released by the terrorists, showing the two when they were handed over to the Red Cross, is an indication of the group's efforts to re-brand themselves. The Best minds in Hamas have for years, fostered the public image of the siege of Gaza, although no such siege was ever in place. Hamas has perfected its image as David facing the Israeli Goliath but their October 7 massacre of innocents, suddenly portrayed them as ISIS. There can be no further harm by freeing two American hostages, that could garner favorable coverage in the West.
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Natalie and Judith Ra'anan in images released by Hamas upon their release from captivity
Hamas is encouraged by the apparent delay in the offensive, although the IDF is prepared and already poised to attack. It is unclear what is causing the delay that originates in the political leadership. Releasing two of the at least 210 hostages appears to create more pressure for a further delay.
U.S. President Joe Biden thanked Qatar and Israel for aiding the release. Israel is the one speaking to the Qataris, who are operating as mediators, behind the scenes. But it must be said that the decisions by Netanyahu and Bennett governments to allow some 1.4 billion shekels, (360 million dollars) into Gaza, every year has helped Hamas build its military infrastructure. The money did not flow directly to the military wing of Hamas but allowed the Gaza rulers to direct funds from taxes collected, to finance military rather than civilian infrastructure.
Qatar assisted in building this empire of terror with its tunnel system and its rockets. It now hosts the entire Hamas political leadership. Ismail Haniyeh is the official leader of the terror organization although in practice it is led by Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. Haniyeh lives in Qatar along with others from the group's politburo, with the tacit agreement of Israel. In Doha, they enjoy a surprising immunity. Qatar's support of Hamas must end, and it must make clear that all Hamas leaders, including those who are guests in that country or in any other Arab capital, are culpable and are valid targets.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian meets Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar
(Photo: WANA via REUTERS)
Sinwar, meanwhile, his brother Mohammed who is a senior member of the military wing, Mohammed Deif, Marwan Issa and others continue to hide in the underground tunnels and rejoice in their operation's success.
In March 2021, Sinwar was facing his ousting from the Hamas leadership, due to his perceived conciliatory position toward Israel. He understood the message that in order to remain in his leadership role, he must adopt a much more extreme policy. Months after he was nearly ousted, he ordered an attack on Israel. He will now be remembered as the architect of Hamas's greatest victory.
The murderous attack solidified his position and he can now hope to secure the position of head of the Hamas politburo in place of his main rival Saleh al-Arouri, hailed for Hamas terror attacks on the West Bank.
Clearly, Sinwar surprised not only Israelis but al Arouri and Haniyeh as well as well. If he survives until the 2025 election to Hamas institutions, he stands a good chance of winning by a landslide.
The political leadership of Hamas remains unhurt more than two weeks into the war, the killing of the terror group's commander of the central brigade in an Israeli strike was certainly a loss. But Hamas still shows it has control over Gaza and is able to launch rockets at Israel. Its spokesmen warn Israel of massive losses should a ground offensive occur.
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Defense Minister Yoav Gallant speaks with IDF troops on the border with Gaza
(Photo: Tsafrir Abayov / AP)
But what had not yet happened and could indicate future trouble for Hamas is attacks against Israel on all other fronts. The terror group may have hoped for a "war of liberation," by Palestinians who would ignite the West Bank and East Jerusalem and by Arabs, who are citizens of Israel who could ignite the mixed Jewish and Arab cities. Syria and Lebanon and even Yemen have yet to join the war.