‘Difference is clear:’ netizens compare how Hamas and Israel treat their hostages

As hostages were exchanged between the Palestinian resistance group Hamas and the Israeli government, netizens quickly noticed the stark contrast in how both sides treated their prisoners.

The hostages held by Israel reported instances of torture, with visible expressions of fear and exhaustion on their faces as they returned to their families.

In contrast, the three female Israeli hostages released by Hamas appeared upbeat, showing no visible signs of fear and even displaying friendly relations with the fighters.

Politician Khalida Jarrar, a member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, was among the 90 prisoners released by Israel under a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on Sunday.

Netizens compared Khalida’s photos before and after her abduction, noting how she looked visibly distressed, frail, and with completely white hair, in contrast to her earlier pictures from before her December 2023 abduction when her hair was all black.

Khalida Jarrar reportedly lost her daughter, nephew, and father during the Israeli military offensive, but she was not allowed to attend their funerals and spent six months in solitary confinement.

“She is a leftist. Total opposite of Hamas. Was in prison when her young daughter suddenly died. Cruel Israel didn’t allow her to bury her daughter. Hamas made sure she was released. Now you see why it’s tough to defeat the Palestinians?” author Sama Jarrah stated on X.

Several Palestinian children were also released from captivity and reunited with their families, while celebrations swept across Gaza as people expressed their determination to rebuild their lives after the devastation caused by Israel’s genocide.

Meanwhile,  Hamas released Israeli hostages in exchange for the release of 90 civilians abducted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) during the military offensiive in Gaza. 

The exchange occurred following a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on Sunday.

The female Israeli hostages were presented with gifts and certificates before being transferred to the Red Cross.

“These three ladies were released from captivity today. They were: Wearing warm clothes, clean, well-fed, holding their personal belongings, carrying gift bags, and smiling. They were protected for 15 months, whilst the IDF tried to kill them,” journalist Sulayman Ahmed remarked.