From October 7th we knew that in order to return all the hostages we would have to negotiate with Hamas. Despite this, the first and most important goal of the Israeli government since that terrible Saturday was to eliminate Hamas from all of its military and governmental capabilities. We knew Read more…
Gershon Baskin shares an “unofficial” version of the first phase of the deal that calls for a 42-day ceasefire and the release of an initial 33 hostages, that the Hamas refuses to say if they are dead or alive.
Gershon Baskin emphasizes that there is no single decision-maker in Hamas and there never was.
Gershon Baskin senses that the current negotiations still do not promise a done deal – but it looks very promising right now.
Gershon Baskin believes that until now, Netanyahu has sacrificed the Israeli hostages and Palestinian civilians on the altar of his political survival. This cannot last for long
Gershon Baskin believes that Instead of Israel and Hamas arguing about which of the hostages will be released in a partial deal, it would be better to end it with a complete and comprehensive deal – to end the war and return all the hostages.
Gershon Baskin wants to appeal to all of us, Israelis and Palestinians, to understand that we really only need one state to recognize the State of Palestine and that is Israel.
Gershon Baskin feels that without heavy pressure from Trump on Netanyahu, it is difficult to see how to end the war and return all the hostages.
Gershon Baskin believes that the primary condition for changing the situation is Gaza, is that the war must end and Israel must withdraw from Gaza and for that to happen, the hostages must be returned and Hamas must no longer control Gaza.
Gershon Baskin shares his insights regarding the nature of the negotiations, and claims that there has never been a situation like the one we are in and these negotiations are different from all previous negotiations.