The recent publication of photos by the Israeli army showcasing six prisoners from Gaza has ignited significant discourse across social media platforms. Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari emphasized that these individuals were abducted alive by Hamas on October 7 from their homes in kibbutzim Ner’Oz and Ra’im. However, he revealed that they were later killed during their detention by Hamas, with investigations ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
In contrast, the Times of Israel reported that Hamas claimed most of these prisoners perished due to Israeli airstrikes, with one reportedly dying from starvation and lack of medical care. The situation has led to a wave of reactions on social media, where users expressed skepticism about the Israeli army's announcement. Many commentators mocked the claim, suggesting that Hamas had ensured the prisoners' safety throughout the conflict.
A notable tweet from user Hawass suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's declaration of 'absolute victory' was ironically linked to the killing of the prisoners. This sentiment was echoed by other users who criticized the Israeli army's actions, implying that the recovery of dead bodies was not a victory but rather a failure in the face of Hamas's strategies. The ongoing conflict has left many questioning the motivations behind Israel's military operations in Gaza, especially during negotiation pressures.
Current estimates indicate that Hamas holds 251 prisoners, with 149 having been retrieved through exchange deals or military actions. The remaining 105 prisoners include about 34 who have been confirmed dead by the Israeli army, raising critical questions about the humanitarian implications of the ongoing conflict.
