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Hamas Hostage Ceremonies Angered U.S., Spurring Pressure to Push Group Out
(Times of Israel) Jacob Magid - The elaborate propaganda-filled hostage-release ceremonies that Hamas has been holding throughout the first phase of the ceasefire have undercut the group's chances to remain in power in Gaza, senior Arab and EU diplomats said. Hostages have been paraded on stages surrounded by heavily armed masked gunmen, given "release certificates," and made to wave to crowds of civilians brought in to watch the spectacle and thank their captors. The diplomats said the performances have led the Trump administration to massively ratchet up its pressure on its Arab allies to advance a plan for the post-war management of Gaza that sees Hamas removed from power.