The Times of Israel reports: “The elaborate propaganda-filled hostage-release ceremonies that Hamas has been holding throughout the first phase of the ceasefire have undercut the terror group’s chances to remain in power in Gaza, two international diplomats told The Times of Israel.

Hamas has sought to use the ceremonies to demonstrate that it remains in control of the coastal enclave after over 15 months of war with Israel. Israel and others have denounced the displays as ‘humiliating’ and demanded they stop before any more prisoners are released in exchange for hostages.

Hostages have been paraded on stages surrounded by heavily armed masked gunmen, given ‘release certificates’ and ‘gift bags,’ and made to wave to crowds of civilians brought in to watch the spectacle and thank their captors. On Saturday, two hostages not set to be freed in the current phase of the deal were brought to a handover in a vehicle that parked close to the stage, and filmed in a propaganda video…

A senior Arab diplomat and a senior European Union diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity this week said that 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…”