A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect on Sunday, including a hostage exchange agreement described by retired IDF General Amir Avivi as “difficult but necessary.” In an interview with Felice Friedson of The Media Line, Avivi discussed the moral and strategic challenges of the deal [1], which will see the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, some with serious criminal records.
Avivi celebrated the recovery of Staff Sgt. Oron Shaul’s body after nearly a decade in Hamas custody and welcomed the planned release of three hostages: Emily Damari, a dual UK-Israeli citizen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Romi Gonen. While calling the deal “the right, moral thing to do,” he acknowledged the cost: “On average, we released around 30 terrorists for each hostage.” Avivi warned against freeing individuals like Marwan Barghouti, who poses a risk of reinvigorating terror networks.
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Israel’s goals in the conflict remain clear, Avivi said: eradicating Hamas as a military and governing entity, securing all hostages, and ensuring Gaza cannot serve as a terror base. He emphasized cutting off humanitarian aid that Hamas uses to coerce and recruit local Gazans, weakening the group’s control.
Avivi also highlighted Israel’s measures to secure its borders, including bolstering forces along the Philadelphia Corridor and in the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority has struggled to maintain order. The general underscored the broader strategic picture, urging Israel to balance compromise with its ultimate objectives.
Read Felice Friedson’s full article [1] for detailed insights into the complex dynamics shaping this critical moment.