Hostages or prisoners?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 13:04:05 +0200

hans@social.woefdram.nl

Why is it that Israelians are "hostages" while Palestinians are "prisoners"? Can somebody explain that to me?

Anyone writing for a newspaper or so? Someone must be able to explain when or why it was decided there was a difference, right?

#Gaza #Palestina #Israel #genocide #hostages #prisoners

politics

show all 7 comments

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 15:50:55 +0200

Hans van Zijst

hans@social.woefdram.nl

@Khurram Wadee My point exactly.

And they were held under very bad conditions too.

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 16:49:15 +0200

Aladár Mézga

adolar@diaspora.psyco.fr

I think partially they simply don't know better. They never bothered to check or question it. I still remember when for the first wave of hostage releases CNN wanted to cover the release of Palestinian "prisoners", who of course were all affiliated with Hamas or even members themselves. The CNN lady was totally flabbergasted when - she wasn't allowed to get near the point of release - most were women and children - most had been held without even being accused of something - both "prisoners" and relatives were not allowed to show any joy, because that would be seen as support for Hamas and a reason for detainment

And they were held under very bad conditions too.

I wonder what happened to that doctor they kidnapped. I don't think they released him - or I failed to spot relevant news.

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 19:24:09 +0200

manieo

manieo@mastodon.social

@hans the prisoners are in prison. It's just an extension of the word. Hostages are usually used as a bargaining chip to further some demand.

That's the difference.