'Undefeated Hamas humiliates Israel': Israeli media says on exchange 5

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English + Israeli media
8 Feb 2025 23:46
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Israeli uproar and outrage took over the media as al-Qassam's military media published footage of the fifth prisoner exchange.

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Israeli captives are escorted by Hamas fighters before being handed over to the Red Cross in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 (AP)

The Military Media of the Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, published footage documenting the fifth batch of the prisoner exchange during the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

The footage showed al-Qassam fighters informing the three Israeli captives of their release, while they thanked the fighters in turn.

One captive called on the Israeli government to complete the second phase of the agreement for the return of the remaining captives, while another stressed that the Israeli government and military pressure killed his brother, who was also held captive in Gaza.

He then stressed that the only way to release the captives was through negotiation.

The exchange took place in Deir al-Balah, one of the most populated cities in the Gaza Strip, in front of a large banner that read "We are the Flood… We are the Day After." Fighters were also seen in their military uniforms and gear.

'Undefeated Hamas humiliates Israel'

Footage of the release of the three Israeli prisoners, alongside members of Al-Qassam Brigades, sparked widespread outrage and provocation within the Israeli occupation.

Tzvi Yehezkeli, the Arab affairs commentator for i24NEWS, stated that Hamas is "looking ahead to the second phase of the deal," suggesting that it is "on the verge of changing all its conditions, including the criteria for hostage releases and other terms."

Yehezkeli described the display accompanying the handover as "a humiliation for Israel," saying that Hamas is sending a message to the world—and at the very least, to US President Donald Trump—declaring, "We are the Day After."

Meanwhile, the network’s military affairs commentator, Yoav Yehoshua, asserted that "Israel has not defeated Hamas—neither militarily nor in governance," adding, "This should not come as a surprise."