Social Media Buzzes After Israeli Soldier Kisses Hamas Fighters’ Foreheads During Prisoner Exchange

Gaza (Quds News Network)- A surprising moment during a prisoner exchange between the Palestinian resistance and Israel has sparked intense reactions on social media. Today, six Israeli prisoners were handed over to the International Red Cross. Among them was Israeli soldier Omer Shem Tov, who kissed the foreheads of two Hamas fighters before his release.
The emotional gesture has gone viral, with the video circulating widely across Arabic and Hebrew media. Many have highlighted the gesture as a genuine expression of gratitude.
Watch | An Israeli soldier captive kisses the heads of Al-Qassam Brigades fighters before being handed over to the International Red Cross as part of the prisoner exchange deal. pic.twitter.com/4ob2FGL0sh
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) February 22, 2025
Activist Sarah Wilkinson described the incident as “a show of heartfelt friendship and unavoidable departure.”
Watch | An Israeli soldier captive kisses the heads of Al-Qassam Brigades fighters before being handed over to the International Red Cross as part of the prisoner exchange deal. pic.twitter.com/4ob2FGL0sh
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) February 22, 2025
Angelo Giuliano reacted to the clip, saying, “This single video will destroy the billions of dollars spent on US/Zionist propaganda about Hamas being ‘bad.’ An Israeli war prisoner kisses the foreheads of Hamas fighters—a slap in the face for the ‘presstitutes.’” He further noted, “They have what no Zionists will ever have—faith and love for humanity.”
***BREAKING NEWS***
This single video will destroy the billions of dollars spent on US/Zionist propaganda of Hamas being "bad"***An Israeli war prisoner kisses the forefront of Hamas fighters***
A slap in the face for the "presstitutes".
Wonder how the western media will spin… pic.twitter.com/XWm65dnRan— Angelo Giuliano 🇨🇭🇮🇹🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻🔻 安德龙 (@angeloinchina) February 22, 2025
Others pointed out the contrast in how prisoners are treated. Motasem A Dalloul commented, “No comparison between Gaza and Israeli jails. This wouldn’t happen if the treatment wasn’t good. Released Israeli soldier kissing heads of Hamas fighters in front of crowds before leaving Gaza.”
No comparison between Gaza and Israeli jails⚠️
This would never happen should not they received very good treatment..
Released Israeli soldier kissing heads of Hamas fighters in front of the crowds before leaving Gaza.. pic.twitter.com/bqNkqHW4vx
— Motasem A Dalloul (@AbujomaaGaza) February 22, 2025
Eman Qasim shared her thoughts, stating, “The only explanation for the Israeli prisoner kissing the foreheads of the Qassam fighters is: If Hamas had an army, it would be the most moral army in the world.”
The only explanation for the Israeli prisoner kissing the forehead of the Qassam fighters is: If Hamas had an army, it would be the most moral army in the world 💚 pic.twitter.com/nXuxn5c6H2
— 𓂆 Eman Qasim🔻 (@EmanQasim) February 22, 2025
The footage has ignited debate about the treatment of prisoners and the portrayal of Hamas in international media. Joseph Muztich said, “This is a video that the Western mainstream media doesn’t want you to see. An Israeli captive kisses the forehead of two Hamas fighters ahead of his release.”
This is a video that the western mainstream media doesn’t want you to see.
An Israeli captive kisses the forehead of two Hamas fighters ahead of his release. pic.twitter.com/rUg7jYilOX
— Joseph Muztich 🇺🇸 (@josephMuztich) February 22, 2025
As the video continues to spread, many are left questioning how this act of compassion will be received in the international arena. Melanie Schweizer expressed confusion, writing, “Was this Israeli prisoner of war forced to kiss the heads of Hamas fighters, or might it be a mere expression of gratitude for protection against Israeli bombs and starvation?”
Now I am wondering – was this israeli prisoner of war forced to kiss the heads of Hamas fighters or might it be a mere expression of gratitude for protection against Israeli bombs and starvation? So confused 😅can the Zionist Hasbara – the German representative of Israel… pic.twitter.com/gckk8jmi8w
— Melanie Schweizer | MERA25 🇩🇪 (@Melaniebelizi) February 22, 2025
This incident has raised questions about the broader Israeli narrative and the treatment of prisoners.