* Gershon Baskin is an Israeli columnist, social and political activist, and respected negotiator and intermediary in captive and peace negotiations between Hamas and Israel. He is largely responsible for securing the release of Israeli soldier Gil Shalit who was held by Hamas for 5 years.
Since December 2023, I have warned that the military pressure doesn’t rescue hostages, it kills them.
Israel has officially said that about 41 hostages have been killed in captivity probably as a result of military pressure. The hostages that have come home have said that Israeli bombing almost killed them and that when the IDF was closing into where they were, their conditions worsened and they feared for their lives.
Since October 7, 2023 it is clear that rescuing the hostages has not been the primary goal of Netanyahu. Saving Netanyahu’s coalition has been Netanyahu’s number one priority. We don’t know how many of the 58 hostages remaining are still alive. Netanyahu said at least 21 are alive. The number keeps dropping. I believe that Hamas knows where all 58 hostages are – those who are alive and those who are not.
I know that the Israeli security officials have reviewed the files of every single Palestinian prisoner and has lists prepared for every contingency for the release of prisoners. There is a deal on the table that has been there for many months already and all that is needed is for Netanyahu to say three words to Dermer and the negotiating team: BRING THEM HOME.
It better be done soon because the military pressure is likely to kill everyone in Hamas in Gaza who is capable of delivering the release of the hostages. Soon it may not be possible to implement a deal negotiated by Hamas outside of Gaza because no one in Gaza will listen to them and/or there won’t be anyone left in a command position in Gaza who is capable of carrying out the agreement once it is made.
The following is what I believe is possible in a deal.
- All of the hostages released at once - this can be done within a week’s time.
- Israel will release the agreed number and names of Palestinian prisoners – this can be done within a week’s time.
- Israel ends the fighting in Gaza completely – this can be done in one day.
- Israel withdraws entirely to the international border - this can be done within a week’s time.
- Mahmoud Abbas appoints a Governor for Gaza – this can be done in one day.
- The appointed Palestinian governor creates a government for Gaza - this can be done within a two weeks’ time – the names have already been proposed and multiple lists of names have been shared around the region. It will be a government without Hamas participation and will be accepted by Hamas.
- The new Palestinian Government and the Palestinian Authority will establish a mechanism for the provision of immediate humanitarian aid and will begin the process of planning and implementing the reconstruction of Gaza. The aid will enter via Rafah, Kerem Shalom, Erez and other possible crossing points. International inspections will ensure that no weapons are being smuggled into Gaza.
- Hamas will turn over its arms to the new Palestinian government in Gaza.
Hamas fighters and commanders who wish to leave Gaza with their families will be allowed to do so (via Egypt) and Israel will not harm them.
A couple of notes on all of this:
- Any prisoner released that endangers Israel can easily be re-arrested, especially if they are released to the West Bank.
- Any breach in the ceasefire can be answered by Israel militarily, even if there are international, Arab, or American guarantees – no one will stop Israel from defending itself.
- If Hamas does not turn over its weapons to the new Palestinian government, Israel can deal with this militarily, but it is best to enable the new Palestinian government to do this job with the assistance of a temporary Arab security presence that they will invite to Gaza for a limited period of time.
- Once the war is over, the Israeli government must create a national commission of inquiry and as soon as possible, and Israel must go to new elections as soon as possible.
- The Palestinians should go to new elections to elect a Palestinian unified government by the people, for the people – as soon as possible.
Israel must stop the killing in Gaza. Too much killing has been done. Too much destruction in Gaza has been done. Israel will pay for this in many ways for years to come.
Gershon Baskin (May 18, 2025)
