‘Stockholm syndrome?’ Israeli hostage kisses foreheads of Hamas militants before release

In an unexpected turn of events, recently freed Israeli hostage Omer Shem Tov kissed the foreheads of two Hamas operatives as he appeared on the stage and waved at the crowd.

The Palestinian militant organisation handed over three Israeli captives—Omer Wenkert, Omer Shem Tov, and Eliya Cohen—to the Red Cross earlier in the day. Before their release, the three survivors were paraded on a stage before a crowd.

However, ahead of the formal exchange, Omer Shem Tov was spotted kissing the foreheads of two Hamas militants. The unexpected show of affection by the former hostage quickly triggered a wave of reactions on social media.

⚡️#BREAKING Israeli “hostage” kisses the forehead of 2 Hamas members pic.twitter.com/Icg6TDEyEQ

— War Monitor (@WarMonitors) February 22, 2025

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Following the exchange, the red cross drove the hostages to safety.

Shem Tov’s father, Malki Shem Tov appreciated his son’s positive attitude, reported Times of Israel. “Omer is thinner… but he is upbeat, the most positive-minded in the world,” he was quoted as saying by Channel 12.

According to Shem’s family members, he is someone who is good at connecting with others.

“That’s Omer,” a relative said. “He’s just that kind of kid… He gets along with everyone. Even Hamas… They love him even there.”

The three hostages released had been in Hamas’ captivity for a total of 505 days. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) welcomed the hostages at a medical facility, where they underwent some physical and psychological evaluations.

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Six hostages released on Saturday

The Gaza-based militant group on Saturday released six hostages in total.

The six are the last living hostages from a group of 33 due to be freed in the first stage of the ceasefire deal that took effect on January 19.

Reactions on social media

The video soon went viral on social media, with some saying it was ‘planned and instructed’, while others drawing parallel with ‘Stockholm syndrome,’ a psychological condition when someone held captive or abused bonds with their captor or abuser.

“It was planned, instructed and directed by the cameraman. If you watch the entire, zoomed out video, you can see the instructions moments before the kisses,” one user pointed out.

“Let’s hope this small act leads to a bigger wave of peace. Every step counts towards harmony,” a second wrote.

“Stockholm syndrome?” questioned a third.

(With inputs from agencies)