Mixed emotions engulf the State of Israel. Today (Sunday), the first stage of the hostage deal begins after months of nerve-wracking anticipation. During this time, we have lost soldiers and civilians, witnessed heroic rescue missions like those of Ori Megidish and Noa Argamani, and mourned the respectful repatriation of bodies for burial in Israel. Week after week, Israelis have protested both for and against the deal. We’re amid a highly tense and challenging period, only fully understood by those who living through the Sword of Iron War.
For the media, this presents an opportunity to cover the release once again as a “hostage reality show,” but such behavior would play directly into Hamas’ hands, turning the terrorist organization’s small victory into a major psychological triumph.
Behind the Tensions: Hamas’ Psychological Terror
The deal, like many aspects of the war, is complex and difficult to digest. While the deep desire of all Israelis is to see the hostages return home, disagreements have arisen over releasing terrorists with blood on their hands, who are highly likely to return to terrorism. Others fear that Israel may have to relinquish key military achievements, such as control over the Netzarim axis, which both came at the cost of IDF soldiers’ lives and could jeopardize national security.
Beyond rational debates, many serious concerns remain over the identities and conditions of the hostages and the lack of clarity about who remains alive. These fears have been cruelly exploited by Hamas, which insisted on a staggered and suspenseful deal format in order to maximize the suffering of the Israeli population. Hamas is keenly aware of Israeli society’s sensitivity, empathy, and mutual responsibility, who sanctify life and view it as a supreme value. Hence, the organization seizes every opportunity to inflict as much psychological warfare and pain possible upon Israelis.
At this Point: Exercise Great Sensitivity and Restraint
In this delicate time, a significant responsibility lies with the media. Over the coming days, Israelis will rely on news outlets for any information that provides clarity and a sense of control. However, the media must avoid falling into the ratings trap. Succumbing to the temptation of spreading rumors, echoing Hamas propaganda, publishing grim analyses from “former officials,” or intrusively pursuing the families of hostages for exclusive interviews could cause more harm than good.
Now more than ever, the media must demonstrate restraint and sensitivity. Sensationalist or reckless behavior plays into Hamas’ hands. The terrorist organization, already on its last legs, seeks one final small victory: to watch Israel panic. Hamas operatives will eagerly consume harrowing accounts, internal disputes, and mutual accusations, and draw strength from them.
Hamas is a battered organization which has lost much of its power, weapons, and leadership. The outbreak of war on October 7th was the group’s pivotal and suicidal act of self-destruction, resulting in a severe weakening of the entire Iranian axis. Today, Hamas has devolved from a semi-political entity governing Gaza to a handful of militants hiding in underground tunnels and relying on primitive communication methods. Its sole bargaining chip with Israel is the mental state of its citizens.
This is a call to the media: Do not play into Hamas’ hands. Restraint and sensitivity must guide us during this time — not buzz, clickbait or ratings. Even when opportunities arise to uncover more information, do not let them dictate your actions. Give the people of Israel, the hostages, and their families the peace and quiet they so desperately need during this sensitive period. By doing so, we can strengthen our national resilience, rediscover the unity within us, defeat Hamas, and finally bring back the remaining hostages.
During these vulnerable moments, bear in mind: Hamas’ small victory was achieving the deal. Its greater victory would be if we were to lose hope.
