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Fleur Hassan-Nahoum Condemns Hamas’ “Psychological Warfare” in Hostage Deal

"Hamas Psychological WARFARE!" | Israeli Foreign Ministry Special Envoy On "BRUTAL" Hostage Handover

February 2, 2025

Israel’s Foreign Ministry Special Envoy, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, has strongly criticized Hamas’ handling of hostage releases, calling it “psychological warfare” designed to manipulate Israel and the international community. As the next round of hostages is set to be released, she warned that Hamas is using delay tactics and propaganda to maximize its leverage.

Hostage Releases as a “Drip Feed” Strategy

Hassan-Nahoum described Hamas’ approach as a calculated effort to maintain control over negotiations. “This drip feeding of hostages is part of their psychological warfare,” she stated. “Tomorrow, three men will be released, including a U.S. dual citizen, but one of them—Yarden Bibas—is the husband of Shiri Bibas, who was taken along with their two babies. The fate of the mother and children remains unknown, and the situation does not look good.”

Israel has long suspected that hostages are being held separately to prevent families from reuniting, further adding to the uncertainty. “This poor man is coming out not knowing if his wife and children are still alive. It’s inhumane,” Hassan-Nahoum added.

Concerns Over Hamas’ Conduct

Hassan-Nahoum condemned Hamas’ handling of hostage transfers, pointing to their use of armed militants and propaganda tactics during the releases. “We saw the images—Hamas fighters in full camouflage, shouting, bullying, and jostling the hostages,” she said. “This is all part of their psychological warfare, designed to humiliate and intimidate.”

She also criticized the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for participating in what she called a “farce” during the exchanges. “The Red Cross stood on stage, taking part in this circus, even handing out certificates to hostages as if they had attended a summer camp. It’s sickening,” she said.

Failure to Provide Information on Hostages

One of Israel’s key frustrations in the negotiations is Hamas’ refusal to disclose the status of the remaining hostages. “As part of the deal, Hamas was supposed to tell us who is alive and who is dead. They still haven’t provided this information,” Hassan-Nahoum revealed. “Israel had to lay down the law, refusing to let Hamas return to northern Gaza until they released a civilian woman they had held back in violation of the agreement.”

She emphasized that Hamas repeatedly pushes the boundaries of agreements, only relenting when faced with firm consequences. “Let’s not forget, these are genocidal terrorists with no morals, no honor, and no ethics,” she said. “They even shoot their own children if they think it will serve their purposes.”

The Remaining Hostages: A Grim Uncertainty

With around 67 hostages still in captivity, the outlook remains bleak. “We estimate that around eight of the hostages in the first phase are already dead,” Hassan-Nahoum said. “In the second phase, where 67 more are supposed to be released, we believe half of them may no longer be alive. This is the horrifying reality families are living with every single day.”

Holocaust Memorial Controversy in Britain

Hassan-Nahoum also addressed a recent controversy in Britain, where a parliamentary committee rejected a Holocaust exhibition. She condemned the decision as part of a growing wave of global antisemitism.

“It’s absurd. Britain, the country that fought Hitler and helped defeat the Nazis, is now refusing to allow a Holocaust memorial in Parliament?” she questioned. “They claim being anti-Israel is not antisemitic, but then they take something like the Holocaust, which has nothing to do with the state of Israel, and make it political. You can’t have it both ways.”

Looking Ahead

As more hostages are set to be released in the coming days, Israel continues to navigate the difficult balance between securing their return and preventing Hamas from strengthening its position. “This is a nightmare for the families,” Hassan-Nahoum concluded. “They are living a daily game of Russian roulette, never knowing if their loved ones will walk out alive.”

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