Hamas’s Macabre Ceremonies and the Rising International Tensions: A Diplomatic Crossroads for the U.S. and the Middle East...

 A Spectacle of Defiance: Hamas’s Hostage Ceremonies Shock the World

The latest series of hostage handover ceremonies conducted by Hamas has provoked global outrage, further exacerbating the already volatile situation in the Middle East. With international attention already fixated on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the public displays orchestrated by Hamas—featuring the bodies of deceased Israeli hostages draped in black flags and militant propaganda—have incensed not only Israel but also its allies, particularly the United States.

On February 22, Hamas conducted a widely publicized hostage exchange, which saw the release of three Israeli hostages. The event, however, was marked by a militant parade-like atmosphere, with masked gunmen celebrating around the captives. A similar grotesque spectacle took place when the remains of four other hostages were handed over in Khan Younis, their coffins displayed under Hamas banners in a manner that many observers likened to a show of defiance rather than a humanitarian gesture.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been vocal in his criticism of Hamas, called the hostage ceremonies “a disgraceful display of inhumanity,” while reaffirming Washington’s unwavering support for Israel. “What’s happening in Gaza is appalling,” he stated at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on February 22. “Hamas has shown, yet again, that they are not interested in peace. They thrive on terror and chaos.”

The U.S. administration’s frustration has also been directed at Arab states, with Trump urging allies in the region to take decisive action against Hamas. But with Middle Eastern politics as intricate as ever, Washington is finding it difficult to garner consensus on how to address the militant group’s continued rule in Gaza.

The U.S. Pushes for an Endgame Strategy Against Hamas

The Trump administration, deeply disturbed by Hamas’s public displays, has intensified diplomatic efforts to craft a long-term solution that could potentially end the militant group’s grip over Gaza. Washington’s immediate goal is to pressure its Arab allies—Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates—into formulating a unified plan for ousting Hamas from power.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been leading backchannel talks with Arab leaders, stressing the need for a strong and coordinated response. U.S. officials believe that without a regional strategy, any military action taken by Israel will be short-lived, and Hamas will continue to regenerate, as it has done in past conflicts.

However, gaining Arab cooperation is proving difficult. Egypt, which maintains a crucial security role in Gaza, has been reluctant to commit to any plan that would involve direct intervention. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has made it clear that his government will not take steps that could destabilize its own borders or provoke domestic unrest. Similarly, Jordan, while aligned with Washington on the broader Israeli-Palestinian issue, is wary of being seen as complicit in a campaign to dismantle Hamas, which still enjoys significant popular support among Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has proposed an alternative path—one that focuses on political and economic measures rather than outright military action. According to sources familiar with Saudi discussions, MBS has suggested the establishment of a Palestinian governing body that could gradually replace Hamas through diplomatic means. This approach, however, is viewed skeptically by Israel, which prefers a more immediate and forceful dismantling of the militant group’s infrastructure.

The UAE, a key regional player, has echoed Saudi Arabia’s call for a pragmatic approach but has also warned that any hasty action could result in unintended consequences. The Emirati leadership has expressed concern that the removal of Hamas without a clear plan for what comes next could create a power vacuum—one that could be exploited by even more extreme factions.

Israel’s Calculated Response and Internal Divisions

As Hamas continues to stage provocative public events, Israel is treading a delicate line between military escalation and diplomatic strategy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed that Hamas will “pay a heavy price” for its actions. Yet, behind the scenes, his government is facing intense internal debates on how to proceed.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hardliner in Netanyahu’s coalition, has publicly claimed credit for Israel’s recent decision to delay the release of Palestinian prisoners in retaliation for Hamas’s handling of the hostages. “We will not reward terror with concessions,” Smotrich declared in a fiery speech at the Knesset on February 24.

Meanwhile, Israel’s security establishment is divided on the next steps. Some military officials advocate for a large-scale ground operation to completely dismantle Hamas’s rule in Gaza. Others warn that such an approach would come with enormous risks, including the potential for heavy Israeli casualties and international condemnation.

Adding another layer of complexity, there is growing public pressure in Israel for the government to secure the return of all remaining hostages, dead or alive. The families of captives have been holding daily protests, urging Netanyahu to prioritize negotiations over military action.

The Arab World’s Dilemma: Balancing Diplomacy and Domestic Sentiments

While the U.S. is pushing its Arab allies to take decisive action, the response from the region has been tepid. Many governments in the Middle East remain hesitant to fully embrace Washington’s call for an aggressive stance against Hamas, fearing backlash from their own populations.

Public opinion in the Arab world remains largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, with many viewing Hamas’s resistance as a response to Israeli occupation. In cities like Cairo, Amman, and Beirut, large protests have erupted in recent weeks, with demonstrators condemning Israeli actions and calling for greater Arab support for the people of Gaza.

For Egypt, which controls Gaza’s southern border, the dilemma is particularly pronounced. While the Egyptian government sees Hamas as a destabilizing force and a security threat, it must also consider the sentiment of its people, who overwhelmingly support the Palestinian cause. President el-Sisi has been walking a fine line, maintaining cooperation with Israel on security matters while publicly voicing support for Palestinian rights.

Saudi Arabia, which has been gradually normalizing ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords, also faces internal challenges. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitions to position the kingdom as a regional leader require careful maneuvering—too close an alignment with Washington or Tel Aviv could alienate his domestic base.

The Path Forward: War or Diplomacy?

As tensions mount, the big question remains: what is the endgame? While the U.S. is pushing for a decisive resolution, the realities on the ground suggest that a quick fix is unlikely.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to extend the fragile ceasefire, with Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators between Hamas and Israel. However, sources indicate that talks remain fraught with challenges, particularly as Hamas continues to demand the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for more hostages.

On the military front, Israel’s options remain open. A full-scale invasion of Gaza would undoubtedly lead to significant casualties and international backlash. Yet, a failure to take action could embolden Hamas, allowing it to regroup and stage further attacks in the future.

For the U.S., the situation represents a major test of its Middle East policy. The Trump administration has made it clear that it wants Hamas removed, but the complexities of the region mean that any strategy will require not just military might but also diplomatic finesse.

In the coming weeks, the world will be watching closely as the situation unfolds. Whether through diplomacy or war, one thing is certain—Gaza remains at the heart of a conflict that shows no signs of ending anytime soon.