Hostages in Gaza face imminent danger, warns ex-negotiator

Time Running Out for ⁤Israeli ⁢Government to Secure Release of Hostages Held by Hamas

There are still approximately 135 hostages who have been held by ​Hamas in Gaza for nearly nine weeks. Gershon Baskin, a‍ renowned Israeli hostage negotiator, believes ‌that the Israeli government needs to act ⁣quickly to secure their release.

Baskin ‌suggests that Israel should make a compelling offer to Hamas, utilizing ⁢intermediaries such as Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. He proposes ⁣a deal that would exchange all Palestinians in Israeli⁣ jails, potentially thousands of people, for the remaining hostages. If this is not feasible, Baskin recommends a​ smaller-scale exchange of around 3,000 prisoners.

If Israel were to make such an offer, they could‌ publicly disclose the names of the prisoners they are willing to release. This would increase the ⁢pressure on the Palestinian side to accept​ the deal, according to Baskin.

During a weeklong ceasefire in late November, over 100 hostages were‍ released in exchange for three times as many Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. ⁢However,‌ negotiations have⁢ since stalled regarding the remaining hostages. Initially, the agreement only called for the release‌ of women and children.

Baskin emphasizes that time is of the essence, as the military operation is progressing rapidly. He asserts ​that⁢ the current hostage ⁤situation presents unique circumstances compared to previous prisoner swaps between the two sides.

In ⁤2011, Baskin led‌ negotiations that resulted in the ⁤release of⁢ 1,027 Palestinians in exchange ⁣for ⁤one Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who had been held captive in Gaza for five years. Baskin recalls that Hamas initially requested 1,500‍ prisoners, but a proposal from the Egyptian government called for the release of 1,000 prisoners.

Baskin does not anticipate another negotiated agreement to ⁣free the hostages, but acknowledges that unexpected ⁤opportunities may arise. He emphasizes the urgency ‌of the situation and the‌ need for rational and strategic thinking in these negotiations.

Unknown Fate of Hostages

The well-being of the hostages remains uncertain, with freed ⁣hostages reporting minimal food and confinement in Hamas’ extensive tunnel infrastructure. Some have even experienced mistreatment, including drugging and physical⁢ abuse. The families of the remaining hostages continue to‌ implore the Israeli government to pursue‍ a new agreement to bring their loved‍ ones home.

Recently, the families of American hostages held by ⁢Hamas met with President Joe Biden,​ expressing their gratitude for his support. They hope for a Christmas miracle and believe that ​they have no better ally in Washington than President Biden.

In​ what ways‌ can the Israeli government humanize the plight of the hostages and gain public‍ sympathy and support?

Mes and details ⁣of⁢ the remaining hostages to put⁣ pressure on Hamas ‍to agree to the ⁢deal. This could involve releasing ⁤photos​ and personal information about ‌the hostages, to ‍humanize their plight⁤ and gain public sympathy and support.

Furthermore, Baskin ⁤suggests that the Israeli government should ‍be transparent and engage in open dialogue with the public about the negotiations. By doing so,⁣ they can ensure ​that the Israeli citizens ⁣understand the gravity of the situation and rally ⁣behind the government’s efforts to secure the release of their⁣ fellow countrymen.

Time is of the essence in ⁣this matter, as the longer the‍ hostages remain in captivity, the greater ⁢the risk‍ to their safety and well-being. It ​is ​crucial for the Israeli government to ⁣act swiftly ⁢and decisively to negotiate their release.

Unfortunately, previous attempts at negotiation have been unsuccessful. ​Hamas has displayed a reluctance to engage in​ meaningful dialogue and has not shown a‍ genuine interest in resolving this crisis. However, the ⁣Israeli⁤ government​ must exhaust⁣ all possible avenues and explore every opportunity for ‍negotiation.

The international community also has a vital role to play in pressuring Hamas to release the hostages. Countries with influence over Hamas, such ​as Qatar​ and Egypt, should use their diplomatic⁤ channels to​ exert pressure and ensure the safe release​ of ‍the hostages. Additionally, the ​United ⁢States, ⁢as a key ally of Israel, can leverage its relationship with Hamas‍ to facilitate negotiations.

The Israeli government must recognize the urgency of this ‌situation and prioritize⁤ the safety and well-being of its citizens. They have a ‍responsibility⁢ to exhaust all possible options and work‍ tirelessly to secure the‌ release of the hostages.

In ​conclusion, time‍ is running out​ for the Israeli government ‍to secure the release⁢ of⁣ the hostages⁣ held by‌ Hamas. Gershon Baskin’s proposal of a compelling offer, ‍utilizing intermediaries‍ and engaging in open dialogue, presents a potential solution.‍ It is essential for the Israeli government‌ to ‍act swiftly, with the⁣ support ⁢of the international community, to bring an end to this crisis and ensure the safe ‌return of ⁣the hostages to their loved ‍ones.

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