Another observation on unspoken dynamics. I can understand the practical necessity of negotiating a hostage “deal”. What seriously disturbs me though is the degree to which Israel is under constant finger-wagging pressure, without any acknowledgment of how profoundly horrible it is to make “concessions” to a murderous Islamist terror organization that kidnapped women and children from their homes. In the U.S. a deal with Hamas is today spoken about by both media and politicians in the tones typically applied, say, to Congressional budget negotiations. Where is the moral compass? And I won’t even wade into the blasé acceptance of Qatar’s and yes, Egypt’s ultra sleazy role here. It would have made a difference -and sent a message- had Biden (if capable), Harris or even Blinken said something like: “We believe it is now in Israel’s interest to reach a ceasefire and to provide certain difficult concessions in order to secure the release of hostages, but make no mistake - we recognize how painful this is. On the other side of the negotiating table sit the representatives of Hamas: murderers, kidnappers and rapists. And as you would expect, such an organization does not exactly negotiate above board. It is a deal with the devil. They are seeking the release of convicted terrorist murderers in exchange for the freedom of kidnapped women and babies. And five American citizens! They want a respite from a war they themselves launched, in the hopes they can live to fight another day. Know this: while we endorse a ceasefire that meets Israel’s reasonable requirements, we remain fully committed to a regional future that does not include Hamas at any table, or in any tunnel.”
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