Auburn University's men's basketball coach, Bruce Pearl, expressed strong disapproval on social media regarding a video appearing to show Hamas militants transferring three Israeli hostages to the Red Cross. The footage depicts the hostages being moved between vehicles amidst a throng of armed Hamas members chanting. Pearl's reaction on X was sharp, questioning the pursuit of peace given the displayed behavior. He condemned the war, violence, and tactics employed by Hamas, and insisted on the immediate release of all hostages as a precondition for peace.

Pearl's vocal support for Israel is well-documented, and he has been a prominent voice among sports figures on this issue. This latest statement follows Israel's Cabinet's approval of a ceasefire agreement involving the phased release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The initial phase involves the release of 33 hostages over six weeks, with the remaining captives' release contingent on further negotiations. Hamas has stipulated a lasting ceasefire and complete Israeli withdrawal as conditions for the release of all hostages.

The 15-month conflict began with Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 abductions, triggering Israeli retaliation. Close to 100 hostages remain in captivity.