What it is about:
Iranian state media has begun capitalizing on the pain and suffering of Israeli hostages murdered by Hamas, leveraging these heart-wrenching videos to serve their own propaganda motives. The first video included pleas from hostages Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, and Alex Lobanov, all brutally murdered by Hamas.
Why it matters:
This tragic exploitation compounds the trauma for Israeli families and aims to apply pressure on Israel. Both Hamas and Iran have systematically choreographed the release of these videos to maximize their psychological warfare against Israel. This callous weaponization of human suffering underscores the complex, deeply intertwined relationship between Hamas and its Iranian backers.
Hamas’s Intentions:
The steady, calculated dissemination of hostage videos is a deliberate Hamas strategy to inflict emotional damage and weaken Israeli morale. This tactic matches a broader narrative supported by Iran to break Israeli resolve and leverage public sentiment against the Israeli government.
Coordinated Efforts with Iran:
Iran’s state media, along with pro-Iranian networks like al-Mayadeen, have propagated these disturbing hostage videos, further fueling anti-Israel sentiment. This showcases how Iran employs these horrendous acts to underpin its hegemonic ambitions in the region.
Exposing Genocidal Intentions:
By referring to all Israelis as “settlers,” Iranian-backed groups make their genocidal aspirations clear, aiming to eliminate all Israelis from their homeland. The recurrent abuses by Hamas, like the atrocities committed on October 7, exemplify this ominous goal.
UN and International Insight:
The UN acknowledges reports suggesting that Palestinian armed groups, specifically Hamas, executed hostages summarily, marking these misdeeds as war crimes. Evidence explicitly points to Hamas orchestrating these violent acts and methodically broadcasting them to apply geopolitical pressure.
Conclusion:
Suffice it to say that the use of hostage videos fortifies the apparent agenda behind the alliance of Hamas and Iran. This isn’t just about isolated violent acts, but a calculated propaganda operation aimed at Israel’s destabilization and exerting pressure through the sheer exploitation of human lives.
This story was first published on jpost.com.