A former Israeli official has proposed a two-pronged strategy, described as “the only way,” to secure the release of remaining hostages captured by Hamas during the conflict.
“Today, in my estimation, Israel must declare that it is no longer willing to negotiate as it has been. Then, it must do two things simultaneously,” Yossi Amrusi, a former senior Shin Bet official, informed Israeli outlet Maariv, a sister publication to
“First, push as much as it can for through designated humanitarian zones,” he stated. “That will also lead to control over humanitarian aid, so that it doesn’t reach Hamas. And second, since it is estimated that hostage locations are known – we must conduct local negotiations with those holding the hostages. Offer money and their lives in exchange for the hostages.”
Amrusi contended that Hamas benefits from the drawn-out negotiations and questioned whether anyone currently in Gaza possesses the authority to make decisions.
“A clever Persian trader once told me in the market: ‘You’ll win the deal when you’re willing to lose it.’ And why? For several reasons,” he reportedly recounted. “One, Hamas benefits from dragging things out. It continues to hold the key to its survival, and in the meantime, who knows what could happen? European pressure, a false starvation campaign, Trump might flip on Israel, internal pressure on the government. All of these, and each on its own, are good for them.”
He also expressed skepticism regarding Qatar’s effectiveness as a negotiating party.
“I’m not sure that Qatar, the mediator, even has the ability to decide anything. And it’s not even certain they have communication with Hamas’s internal leadership for consultations and decision-making,” Amrusi remarked. “It’s important to ask: is there anyone in Hamas’ Gaza who can make decisions? Who has control over those holding the hostages? Do they even know where they are, and what condition they’re in? After all, some of the hostages aren’t even in their hands.”
“I’ve always said Hamas will release the hostages when we force them to release them,” he continued, “but we don’t know how to do that. Military pressure isn’t being applied to its full extent, and our soldiers’ hands are pretty tied. We’re bringing in humanitarian aid that gives Hamas life – oxygen, fuel, and money.”
“Government constraints and fears are holding back the opening of immigration offices and the establishment of humanitarian zones. We simply don’t know how to win,” Amrusi added.
The U.S. and Israel withdrew their negotiating teams from Doha, Qatar, on Thursday.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff stated Friday that this decision followed Hamas’s latest response, which “clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.”
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff posted on X. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”
In a statement issued by his office, Israeli echoed Witkoff’s sentiment, stating, “Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal.”
“Together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region,” he affirmed.
Egypt and Qatar, co-mediators in the talks with the United States, indicated that the pause was merely temporary and that discussions would resume, though a specific date was not provided.
Meeting with President Donald Trump on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer aimed to press the U.S. to take a more significant role in addressing what he termed a “desperate situation,” amidst increasing reports of starvation in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war continues.
Trump initially expressed regret that the U.S. had not received sufficient credit for previously supplying food aid. He adjusted his tone when reporters questioned him about images of emaciated children from Gaza.
When asked if he agreed with Netanyahu’s recent statements downplaying concerns of mass starvation in Gaza, he replied, “I don’t know. I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry.”
Starmer added, “I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they are seeing on their screens.”
Trump commented that Israel “has a lot of responsibility” for ongoing events but is constrained by the potential implications of its actions for the Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the 2023 attack.
“I think Israel can do a lot,” Trump said, also stating concerning Netanyahu, “I want him to make sure they get the food.”
Meanwhile, Israel has maintained that it is doing everything possible to deliver humanitarian aid to Gazans. The country’s foreign ministry on Tuesday claimed that Hamas is “violently looting” aid, thereby preventing it from reaching civilians.
The foreign ministry also criticized major media outlets for sharing an image of a malnourished Palestinian child, implying his condition was due to starvation. Israel identified the boy as Osama al-Raqab, who suffers from cystic fibrosis. The ministry stated that Israel facilitated his treatment in Italy, while the media used his appearance to demonize the Jewish state.
“This is what a modern blood libel looks like,” the ministry declared.