It’s important to understand how abuse of women is a key part of how Hamas remains in power. Hamas purposely targeted women for kidnapping on October 7. During the first hostage deal Hamas refused to release younger Israeli women. This is all calculated by Hamas to have the maximum pressure on Israel and maximum amount of abuse meted out.

The hostages were freed in a heavily staged handover, ahead of the expected release of 200 Palestinian prisoners.

The hostages were released in a staged handover that saw them surrounded by Hamas gunmen and crowds of civilians.