Aug 30, 2024
Everyone wants all the hostages returned, but Hamas won't consider that unless Israel completely leaves Gaza, which guarantees the return of Hamas control with their promise to repeat Oct. 7 again and again. And how many terrorists will Israel have to release with blood on their hands who, based on the history of previous trades with Hamas, will go on to kill as many Israelis as possible? In a starry-eyed vision 6,000 miles away, it sounds so simple: stop fighting. End the war, returned the hostages, and wish away the reality of dealing with jihadist adversaries who live in a culture of death, yearning for Israel's destruction instead of helping Palestinians build a better life.
- Eric Mandel, the Hill, August 4
