Palestinian prisoners set to be released in the latest phase of a prisoner exchange deal will be forced to watch a video of the destruction caused by Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, according to reports in Israeli media.
The Hebrew-language news website Walla reported on Friday that the three-minute video, produced by the Israeli army in collaboration with the Israeli Prison Service, will be shown on large screens moments before the prisoners are released.
Israeli authorities claim the video is intended to act as a deterrent, arguing that many of the prisoners “had little knowledge of what was happening outside and were unaware of the scale of destruction in Gaza.”
This move follows a controversial decision on Saturday to issue released Palestinian prisoners with wristbands inscribed in Hebrew and Arabic with the Biblical message: “”The eternal people do not forget; I pursue my enemies and capture them”.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials have said they are still awaiting a list from Hamas confirming the names of Israeli detainees who are due to be released as part of the latest stage of the exchange deal.
Unnamed senior Israeli officials told Walla they expect Hamas to delay submitting the list, which is set to include three detainees scheduled for release on Saturday. However, they believe the delay will not derail the process.
One official suggested the move was intended as a “signal” from Hamas expressing dissatisfaction with aspects of the agreement, particularly provisions related to humanitarian aid for Gaza. “This would be an unjustified violation by Hamas,” the official said.
Israeli authorities have reportedly sent messages to Hamas via Egypt and Qatar, reiterating their commitment to the terms of the prisoner exchange and the ceasefire.
Officials have warned that any violation of the agreement would be treated as a serious matter, and that Israel would respond accordingly.
