First hostage release: Fresh proof that Hamas must be destroyed

Hamas' first hostage release confirms that they are ruthless liars who will victimize anyone and think they can manipulate America.

Hamas' first hostage release has confirmed some very telling facts about the terrorists. First, they have shown themselves to be ruthless liars who will go to great lengths to deceive the public. Second, they have demonstrated their willingness to victimize anyone they can, regardless of nationality or innocence. And third, they believe they can manipulate the United States into breaking with Israel.

One of the hostages released was 77-year-old Hannah Katzir, who had been falsely reported as killed by an Israeli airstrike by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). This deliberate misinformation was intended to serve as propaganda, creating division with Israel and tarnishing its global image.

The release of 10 Thai nationals and one citizen of the Philippines, who were farmworkers swept up by the terrorists during the Oct. 7 atrocities, further illustrates the indiscriminate nature of their actions. It is clear that anyone in Israel was a target, even those who were not Israelis or Jews.

It is evident that Hamas and PIJ have no regard for human life, as they have shown in their treatment of ordinary Gazans and their looting of foreign and humanitarian aid. Additionally, their refusal to release any US citizens indicates their intention to use them as leverage over the United States.

The terrorists are seeking to exploit what they perceive as the Biden administration's softer stance on Israel to secure a "permanent" cease-fire or to extend the current one to resupply from the humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza. They hope to manipulate American families into pressuring the White House on behalf of their loved ones.

The central fact of this war is that Hamas and PIJ must be eradicated if the words "never again" are to have any meaning. It is clear that they will stop at nothing to achieve their goals, including resorting to deceit and violence. The international community must take decisive action to put an end to their reign of terror.