The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) strongly condemned, on Saturday, the Israeli occupation authorities’ decision to force released Palestinian prisoners to wear t-shirts with racist slogans that read: “We will not forget, and we will not forgive.” Hamas described this action as a “crime and a blatant violation of humanitarian laws and norms.”
The movement stated that these practices are part of Israel’s systematic policies of humiliation and retaliation against Palestinian prisoners and warned of the consequences this decision could have on the truce process and future prisoner exchange negotiations.
Internal Criticism in Israel Over a “Childish Decision”
The forced clothing of Palestinian prisoners upon their release sparked major controversy within Israel, drawing sharp criticism from political and security officials, who labeled the move as “stupid and childish” and highlighted its potential dangers.
According to the Israeli public broadcaster, top Israeli political leaders were not informed in advance about this decision, which angered some officials. They warned that forcing Palestinian prisoners to wear politically charged t-shirts could endanger the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, further fueling tensions and complicating future negotiations.
Kobi Yaakobi, commissioner of the Israeli Prison Service (IPS), was the one who initiated this decision. Some officials defended it as a “strategic move aimed at shaping public perception.” According to Israel’s Channel 12, this measure was meant to send two primary messages:
- An international message: To show that Israel releases Palestinian prisoners, contrary to what happened during the Holocaust.
- A message to the Israeli public: Emphasizing that Israel will never forget the crimes committed by these prisoners, even after their release.
Controversy Among Israeli Officials
However, these justifications were not well received within Israel itself. Eriq Barbing, former head of the Jerusalem and West Bank division at Shin Bet (Shabak), strongly criticized the decision, stating that it severely damages Israel’s diplomatic image.
He declared:
“Israel is a powerful state and should not act like Hamas. Publishing these images poses no threat to the Palestinians; instead, they will be met with ridicule. Even the Israeli public will find no real meaning in this.”
Prisoner Release Coincides with a Hostage Exchange Deal
This incident occurred alongside the release of three Israeli hostages by Palestinian resistance forces in Gaza:
- Yair Horn
- Sasha Troubenov
- Sagi Dekel Han
This release was part of the first phase of the exchange agreement. Simultaneously, Israeli authorities released a new group of Palestinian prisoners, including individuals sentenced to life imprisonment.
Possible Consequences of This Decision
This controversy underscores the growing tensions within Israel over how the prisoner issue is handled. Some officials argue that such measures harm Israel’s diplomatic image and fuel hostility within Palestinian society. Others believe that it sends a deterrent message to the Israeli public.
As negotiations continue over the next phases of the exchange agreement, one key question remains:
Will this decision complicate ongoing negotiations, or is it merely a symbolic gesture with no long-term impact?
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