The kiss that speaks of coercion: Unmasking Hamas’ propaganda of ‘Humanity’

A video has emerged in which Israeli captive Omer Shem Tov is seen kissing the forehead of his Hamas captors—a scene that some supporters of Hamas now point to as evidence of an inherent compassion within the terrorist organization. Yet, this image, when scrutinized against the harrowing testimonies of former hostages, reveals not an act of genuine empathy but a calculated, coerced gesture—a propaganda tool designed to mask unspeakable brutality.

In reality, the kiss was not a spontaneous act of forgiveness or warmth. Testimonies from those who endured the terror of captivity paint a far grimmer picture: a captive forced, under relentless threats and severe physical and psychological abuse, to perform a gesture that was meant to project a false image of benevolence. Under duress, any semblance of affection becomes nothing more than a survival mechanism—a response dictated by the overwhelming pressure of life-threatening coercion.

Hamas has long perfected the art of propaganda, meticulously crafting narratives that distort the truth. By showcasing such staged moments of “humanity,” the organization seeks to divert international scrutiny away from its systematic use of torture, starvation, and other inhumane tactics against hostages. It is a deliberate strategy: to dress up cruelty in the guise of compassion, and to convince a skeptical world that its actions are both humane and justified.

To claim that this kiss is an authentic expression of care is to ignore the overwhelming evidence of abuse that these captives endured. When a person is forced to display acts that contradict their natural human response—acts that are executed only under the shadow of imminent danger—they cannot be interpreted as voluntary symbols of empathy. True humanity is born out of freedom and dignity, not from gestures imposed under the threat of death.

It is time to reject the veneer of manipulated emotion and recognize the stark reality behind such images. The kiss, far from being a beacon of compassion, is a chilling reminder of how Hamas employs every tool in its arsenal—including staged moments of faux tenderness—to cover up its inherent brutality. Only by confronting these truths can we ensure that the voices of the tortured are heard, and that the world does not fall prey to a narrative crafted from fear and coercion.

This act was part of Hamas's calculated attempt to manipulate the situation, portraying themselves as humane and creating a false narrative of a cordial relationship between the captors and their hostages. This staged moment is a chilling reminder of the lengths Hamas will go to in order to spread their lies and manipulate the perception of their actions.