According to a deal between the Israeli government and Hamas, around 50 hostages from Gaza could soon be released. Islamic scholar Guido Steinberg still has little hope for the remaining abductees in the clutches of terrorists.
Mr. Steinberg, the Israeli government is close to concluding negotiations with Hamas. Around 50 hostages in Gaza are to be gradually released in exchange for an as yet unknown number of Palestinian prisoners, and there is also to be a five-day ceasefire. Who wins in a deal like this?
Clearly Hamas. As in previous times, it took the initiative, took hostages and demanded concessions for their release. Now there will probably be an exchange. Until now it was always clear that it was Hamas that wanted a ceasefire. The Israelis cannot want him at all because they need to apply sustained military pressure. But Hamas now has the chance to reorganize itself.