Former Israeli negotiator talking to Hamas

Gershon Baskin

Some family members and friends of those being held hostage by Hamas have contacted Gershon Baskin, a former Israeli negotiator, who secured the release of the Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit – who was held by Hamas for five years.

Speaking to Julian Worricker on The World Tonight, Baskin said he is talking to Hamas,

“trying to convince them to release the women and the children, (and) to let us deliver medicine”.

He said,

“I think [Hamas] are equally surprised as Israel at their success in the military operation…in their attempt to abduct as many people as they did.”

From what Hamas has told Baskin, he said:

“I believe that women will not be raped, that civilians will not be tortured. I’m not sure that’s the same with regards to soldiers.”

Originally Broadcast by the BBC Julian Worricker on The World Tonight program.
Quotes are at
https://www.bbc.com/news/live/world-middle-east-67073970/page/5

Categories: Interviews

Julian Gordon Worricker

Julian Gordon Worricker is an English journalist, currently working as one of the main presenters of Weekend on the BBC World Service, as stand-in presenter of Any Answers on BBC Radio 4, and as a relief presenter on The Media Show which is also seen on BBC News, the corporation's 24-hour rolling news channel. He also presented You and Yours on BBC Radio 4 until leaving in October 2013.