Gershon Baskin
This is a message mainly aimed at my Palestinian friends, colleagues and the tens of thousands of Palestinians who read all of my messages.
I am sure that you are all celebrating the release of Palestinian prisoners. I know that there isn’t a single Palestinian family who has not had loved ones in Israeli prisons. Some of you may be feeling strong admiration or support for Hamas for bringing about the release of these Palestinian prisoners. But I suggest that you stop and think for a moment about the price that Palestinians have paid for this release. The destruction of Gaza and about eighty-percent of the buildings there, about two million people homeless once again, the destruction of all infrastructure, the killing of tens of thousands, the wounding of more than 100,000, tens of thousands of orphans, young children with no parents. I believe that for Palestinians all over the world and all over Palestine, this war has been more traumatic for you than the Nakba.
Sinwar’s goal, as he said many times was to empty the Israeli prisoners from Palestinian prisoners. I have said to Hamas leaders and to other Palestinian leaders over the years that the best way to release all Palestinian prisoners is to make genuine peace with Israel. All around the world and throughout history, when warring sides make peace, it is customary that there is a general amnesty granted for combatants in the conflict. I even sent this message directly to Yehya Sinwar when I was negotiating with Ghazi Hamad and through him with Sinwar for the release of the bodies of two Israeli soldiers and for the two living Israeli civilians. Sinwar demanded that Israel release prisoners serving life sentences and while Israel was prepared to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, Israel was unwilling to release any prisoners who were serving life sentences for killing Israelis. Yes, now Israeli will release a large number of Palestinians serving life sentences, but Sinwar is dead, along with most of the Hamas leadership in Gaza and much too many non-combatants – women, children and elderly people. You Palestinians are the people who have to ask yourselves if the price paid by your people was reasonable and worthwhile. I believe that you know what has happened since October 7, 2023 was not worth the price that you paid. Making war is a choice and making peace is also a choice. The choice is in your hands now if you will continue on the path of Hamas which will lead to more death and destruction or you will decide on a new path and make clear that you are prepared to live in peace and freedom with Israel if Israel will be prepared to end its occupation over what should become the free State of Palestine. This should now be the demand of all Palestinians and all Israelis.
