In a recent development, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reported that Hamas is holding nearly 200 individuals hostage following a devastating terror attack in Israel.
The terrorist group has expressed no intention of releasing the hostages, with a senior leader stating earlier this month, "this file will not be opened until the end of the battle."
The last instance of Hamas releasing a hostage dates back to 2011 when IDF soldier Gilad Shalit was freed. Shalit, a young conscript in the Israeli military, was captured by Hamas in 2006, prompting the Israeli army to retaliate with airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. His release was secured five years later in 2011, following Israel's agreement to swap 1,027 Palestinian prisoners for Shalit.
Shalit's release was met with widespread celebration across Israel, particularly in his hometown of Mitzpe Hila. As reported by NPR in 2011, residents were seen cheering from rooftops, popping champagne bottles, singing songs, and waving the Israeli flag upon his arrival. Shalit, who was 25 at the time of his release, expressed his relief in an interview, stating that he feared he would have remained in captivity for "many more years." He also expressed hope that the prisoner exchange deal would "promote peace between Israel and the Palestinians."
Gershon Baskin, an American-Israeli peace activist and the Middle East director for a UK-based NGO, revealed that Israel was initially reluctant to swap more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for Shalit. However, he explained that Israel has an "ethos of a people's army that promises that we don't leave anyone behind." Baskin, who played a role in securing Shalit's release, added that leaving Shalit behind would have undermined the concept of a people's army.
On Monday, the IDF announced the killing of Osama al-Mazini, a senior official from Hamas' political wing who was responsible for negotiating the 2011 prisoner swap. The Israeli military also disclosed that it has informed the families of 199 individuals that their loved ones were kidnapped and taken into Gaza following this month's attacks. The IDF is reportedly using "all intelligence and operational means to return the abductees."
Hamas recently released a video featuring one of the hostages, 21-year-old Mia Schem, who was captured during the Nova music festival in southern Israel. The IDF criticized Hamas for attempting to portray itself as a humanitarian organization while engaging in terrorist activities, including the killing and kidnapping of infants, women, children, and the elderly.
Baskin emphasized that there is "no comparison" between Shalit's capture and the recent kidnapping of Israeli civilians. He referred to Shalit as "a prisoner of war," while the current victims are "hostages who were abducted from their homes."
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