The situation in the Hamas-Israel conflict has been causing grave concern. When Hamas managed to breach Israeli defences, causing the tragic loss of nearly 1350 lives, including women and children, it was a disturbing development. Their attempt to use around 200 hostages of various nationalities as bargaining tools only escalated the tension. In response, the Israeli authorities chose to employ a countermeasure, depriving the people of Gaza of essential resources like water, fuel, medicine and food. This tactic was aimed at pressuring Hamas to release the hostages. Regrettably, this approach has led to significant suffering among innocent civilians, with only four hostages released so far, primarily due to interventions from Qatar and the Red Cross. Needless to say, if four can be released, the rest too can be released.
The call by US President Joe Biden for the release of all hostages as a prerequisite for a ceasefire underscores the urgency of resolving this humanitarian crisis. Moreover, 86 Nobel-laureates have made a compelling plea to the United Nations to secure the release of all children held hostage by Hamas. This call is not only a moral imperative but also an appeal to the global conscience. Hostage-taking is unequivocally unethical and illegitimate. Holding innocents captive under any circumstances is a grave violation of human rights. It leads to the torture and suffering of individuals who have no part in the conflict. Hamas, in its quest for its cause, has not gained any ground by resorting to this inhumane practice. In fact, one reason why Hamas has not been getting support from the rest of the world is because they are seen as the instigators of violence.
It's essential to note that the principle that hostage-taking is unacceptable holds true for all the parties involved. No civilian population should be held responsible for the acts of terrorism carried out by a few. The people of Gaza have been enduring unimaginable suffering for more than a fortnight, with nearly 5000 casualties so far. Hostage-taking is not a strategy that has advanced Hamas's goals in any meaningful way. Releasing these hostages is an urgent step toward achieving a ceasefire and alleviating the plight of the affected population. Continuing to hold hostages only serves to legitimise Israeli actions that further constrict the people of Gaza. The focus should be on pursuing peaceful and diplomatic solutions, rather than perpetuating a cycle of violence and suffering.
