Why Hamas Won’t Release Hostages

null By The Editorial BoardDec. 27, 2023 6:42 pm ETWonder Land: After the massacres of Oct. 7, the burden is now on Israel to end the war in Gaza. Images: Reuters Composite: Mark KellyDeal or no deal? In the early days of Israel’s counteroffensive against Hamas, the terrorist group begged for a breather. It released 105 hostages for a seven-day pause and some low-level prisoners. But Hamas has since turned down two offers for a pause in the fighting, each one more generous than the last. What changed?After the terrorist group brushed aside an Egyptian proposal over Christmas weekend, Hamas Politburo member Izzat al Rishq explained, “There can be no negotiations without a complete stop to the aggression”—an end to the war. On Dec. 20, in rejecting an Israeli offer, Politburo member Ghazi Hamad said Hamas is no longer interested in “a pause here and there, for one week, two weeks, three weeks,” even though Israel was ready to release senior Hamas terrorists as well.Copyright ©2023 Dow

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Opinion Dec 28, 2023 Add to Reading List

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The Editorial Board

Dec. 27, 2023 6:42 pm ET

Wonder Land: After the massacres of Oct. 7, the burden is now on Israel to end the war in Gaza. Images: Reuters Composite: Mark Kelly

Deal or no deal? In the early days of Israel’s counteroffensive against Hamas, the terrorist group begged for a breather. It released 105 hostages for a seven-day pause and some low-level prisoners. But Hamas has since turned down two offers for a pause in the fighting, each one more generous than the last. What changed?

After the terrorist group brushed aside an Egyptian proposal over Christmas weekend, Hamas Politburo member Izzat al Rishq explained, “There can be no negotiations without a complete stop to the aggression”—an end to the war. On Dec. 20, in rejecting an Israeli offer, Politburo member Ghazi Hamad said Hamas is no longer interested in “a pause here and there, for one week, two weeks, three weeks,” even though Israel was ready to release senior Hamas terrorists as well.