Hostage Deal Highlights Dangerous Precedent for Future Conflicts

[Social Media]

 

The release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas conflict has been met with widespread relief and celebration, but the implications of the deal cast a troubling shadow over the future. While the return of men, women, and children held in terrifying captivity is undeniably grounds for rejoicing, the broader consequences of this arrangement reveal a grim reality: Hamas has once again demonstrated that hostage-taking is an effective strategy.

 

Had Hamas simply murdered the over 1,200 individuals during the October 7 attacks, they would have gained no diplomatic leverage. But by capturing hostages, they achieved a series of significant advantages: hesitation on Israel’s part, divisions within Israeli politics, manipulation of international opinion, and increased diplomatic clout. This deal validates their actions, setting a precedent that could embolden similar tactics in the future. For Hamas and other Islamist groups, the internal message is clear—capturing, torturing, and killing a proportion of hostages yields power. It is a chilling lesson that threatens future stability.

 

As Hamas hopefully fulfills its part of the agreement by returning around 60 hostages, alongside 34 dishonored corpses, the evidence of their brutality will be undeniable. Yet, outside Israel, they are likely to receive praise for their so-called compliance. This reaction will be a bitter pill to swallow for many, as it rewards and normalizes abhorrent behavior. 

 

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) demonstrated extraordinary heroism, reminiscent of the Six-Day War of 1967, in protecting their nation from an attempted genocide. Despite global pressure, including from U.S. leaders such as President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Israel pursued its own course, dealing significant blows to Hamas. However, Hamas remains entrenched in Gaza, continuing to dominate civilian life, manipulate aid, and influence Palestinian media. Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader, may be in a weakened position, but figures like his brother Mohammed are working to regroup and rebuild the organization’s power.

 

Unlike the 1982 siege of Beirut, which forced Yasser Arafat and the PLO into exile in Tunis, Hamas retains its stronghold in Gaza. Even under devastating attacks, their leaders can frame survival as divine endorsement. As one survivor might argue, “Even under the satanic attack of the Jews, backed by America, we fought on. Allah is with us!” Such rhetoric, coupled with the readiness of international bodies like the International Criminal Court to scrutinize Israel, ensures Hamas’s narrative will endure for years.

 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has presented a stark contrast to the Biden administration, warning Hamas of severe consequences should they overstep again. The deal is being sold in Israel with assurances that, under Trump’s leadership, the U.S. would back any necessary retaliatory actions—a position seen as more robust than Biden’s perceived reluctance.

 

Regional dynamics also favor a strong Israel. Moderate Arab powers, including the Gulf states, Egypt, and Jordan, prefer an Israel that projects strength rather than one mired in vulnerability. The weakening of Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran’s influence was welcomed across these nations. However, the deal's potential to prolong Hamas’s ability to fight and kill complicates the outlook for Israel’s security and broader regional peace.

 

Ultimately, while this agreement provides temporary relief for hostages and their families, it also allows Hamas to regroup and rearm. The terrorists remain intact, poised to exploit future opportunities to inflict terror. What might seem like a fleeting victory for diplomacy risks evolving into a recurring nightmare for the region.

 

Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-01-20

 

 

[Cryingdick]

Yeah. The idea that you simply do not negotiate with terrorists should always be used. 

[Watawattana]

13 hours ago, Social Media said:

What might seem like a fleeting victory for diplomacy risks evolving into a recurring nightmare for the region.

Just as it has for this region for years and years, at least since 1948.  

 

This is absolutely not the end of this conflict.

[loong]

14 hours ago, Social Media said:

Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader, may be in a weakened position,

A very much weakened position as he was killed 3 months ago!