International Outrage Over Ceremony for Handover of Deceased Hostages

- Global condemnation over Hamas' propaganda-filled event for delivering bodies of Israeli hostages to Red Cross.

International Outrage

Global outrage ensues as Hamas hands over bodies of four deceased Israeli hostages to the Red Cross. The event, described as a 'disgusting propaganda show' by Bild, displayed the bodies of Kfir (1) and Ariel (4) brothers, their mother Shiri Bibas, and 84-year-old Oded Lifschitz, a former journalist and peace activist.

The bodies were placed on a stage in coffins with a backdrop image portraying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a bloodthirsty vampire drinking the hostages' blood. Inscriptions accused Netanyahu of war crimes and the deaths being caused by American bombs. Bild criticized Hamas for humiliating the victims and their families and taunting them even in death.

Israel aimed to bring back all hostages alive, but failed, leading to President Isaac Herzog expressing deep regret. Former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy condemned Hamas for turning the handover into a propaganda spectacle.

Sky News labeled the return of the hostages as tragic and highlighted the presence of rockets near the coffins, while the New York Post described the event as heartbreaking and the depiction of Netanyahu as a vampire as disturbing.

Israeli sources mentioned that the coffins are locked, raising concerns over potential booby traps. The Red Cross is likely displeased with the disrespectful handover, as they had called for a more dignified transfer.