Hamas, the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group, has captured an estimated 150 hostages, including children, members of the military, and the elderly. Most of the hostages are civilians taken from towns bordering Gaza. Some of the hostages are Americans, according to President Joe Biden. Hamas has threatened to kill a hostage every time Israel strikes a Gaza home without warning, and the executions would be recorded and made public. James Forest, an international security expert, explains that terrorist groups historically take hostages to gain leverage and influence the targeted government’s decisions. In this case, Hamas aims to force Israel to release imprisoned Palestinians and prevent military strikes on Gaza. The hostage-taking also seeks to draw international attention to the situation in blockaded Gaza. However, this strategy may backfire, as taking innocent hostages is widely condemned. It may also invite retaliation from other countries, especially if their citizens are among the hostages. Forest outlines various response options for Israel, including repression, decapitation, and negotiation. However, negotiations are unlikely during an active military confrontation. The treatment of the hostages is uncertain, but most violent groups recognize that harming them would jeopardize their bargaining power. Finding trusted intermediaries to help arrange the hostages’ release will be difficult, and this may only happen after the active conflict subsides. Israeli forces will likely try to avoid actions that harm the hostages, and assistance from intelligence agencies may help locate targets and rescue hostages. Hamas will likely use the hostage crisis to generate lasting media attention and showcase their abilities to frighten and harm a more powerful adversary. Both sides must exercise caution in their conduct of the war.
Sat. Mar 15th, 2025
