Israel Draws Condemnation After Forcing Released Palestinian Prisoners to Wear "Never Forgive, Never Forget" Apparel

JERUSALEM – In a move that ignited widespread condemnation, the Israel Prison Service (IPS) on February 15, 2025, compelled released Palestinian prisoners to wear white sweatshirts emblazoned with the Star of David and the phrase "We will not forget, we will not forgive" in Arabic. This occurred as part of a prisoner exchange deal where three Israeli hostages were freed from Gaza in return for 369 Palestinian prisoners. The incident sparked immediate outrage from Palestinian factions and drew criticism from international bodies.

The provocative clothing was reportedly ordered by IPS Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, a decision that some Israeli sources indicated was not cleared with the political echelon. Images released by the IPS showed the Palestinian detainees, some kneeling, wearing the shirts, which also featured the IPS logo. This action was widely perceived as a direct response to previous instances where Hamas had orchestrated symbolic gestures during the handover of Israeli hostages, including presenting them with gifts.

Upon their return to Gaza, many of the released Palestinian prisoners immediately discarded and burned the controversial garments, with footage of the burning circulating widely. Hamas swiftly condemned the Israeli action, labeling it a "racist crime" and a "blatant violation of humanitarian laws and norms." The group contrasted Israel's treatment of prisoners with what it described as its own adherence to "moral values" in handling Israeli captives.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which facilitated the exchange, called for more "dignified" releases, reiterating its concerns about the manner in which transfers are conducted. Palestinian prisoners also reported being forced to wear wristbands with similar threatening inscriptions in previous exchanges, further highlighting a pattern of perceived humiliation. This latest incident underscores the deep-seated tensions and the highly charged nature of the conflict, extending even to the terms of prisoner releases.

The phrase "Never forget, never forgive" carries significant historical weight, particularly within Jewish communities, often invoked in remembrance of the Holocaust and more recently in the context of the October 7th attacks and subsequent conflict. The "Jews Fight Back

" account's tweet, stating "Pure evil. Never forget. Never forgive," reflects a similar sentiment of unwavering resolve. However, its application in this specific context by the IPS has been interpreted by critics as a deliberate act of humiliation and provocation against the Palestinian population.