Even now, Israel’s military and political leadership are reeling from the harsh reality check of what will become of the hostages held captive by Hamas. Civilians shouldn’t be subjected to such heinous acts. Negotiations are reportedly still being negotiated, with sources placing the number of surviving hostages at 20 out of 48. There is increasing fear for the health of two specific people.
Sources within the Israeli intelligence community tell us that they very much doubt all deceased hostages will be returned. Judging by senior figures in the Israeli government— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu included —they’re of the same mind. They worry that some bodies will never be recovered. The ongoing discussions surrounding these issues have been influenced by intelligence reports and messages from Hamas as well as intermediaries involved in the negotiations.
Natan Eshel, a close confidant of Netanyahu, recently addressed the situation in Gaza by referencing past tragedies, stating, “there will be some Ron Arads.” This draft statement emphasizes the continuing fate of Ron Arad. He’s the former Israeli Air Force navigator who was captured in Lebanon in 1986. His kidnapping and presumed murder is an enduring symbol of loss and uncertainty, one of Israel’s most painful icons.
The challenges of the hostage situation are made even more complicated by the multitude of factions operating within Gaza. According to multiple reports, factions beyond Hamas’ control continue to detain at least seven, possibly nine, remaining hostages. One set of estimates puts that number as high as 15. Barbara Leaf, the top U.S. State Department official for the Middle East, underscored the duty of care posed by these facts.
“It’s been the case from the outset that they (Hamas) have not had control over all of the hostages.” – Barbara Leaf
The Biden administration has known of these uncertainties about dead hostages for months. Negotiators must understand that not every hostage is within Hamas’ control, making it more difficult to ensure their release.
Israel is making a hardline demand that all hostages be returned, alive or dead. This condition serves as an impediment to any peace agreement. There are 28 dead hostages whose status is still undecided, whose families here at home and the country do not yet know their fate. His brother Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, a soldier in the 2014 war in Gaza, was killed in action. Hamas seized his corpse following his death. His remains have never been recovered, adding to the ever-growing list of cold cases. His disappearance became his growing list.
Of course, Barb Leaf had a more favorable interpretation of it during her recent press availability. Further, she said, “It’s infinitely more likely they can recover all the living hostages.” This sentiment seems to be a glimmer of hope in an otherwise disheartening portrayal of the fallen.
With negotiations still ongoing, Israeli officials are out to ensure they get the best possible resolution—not just for the living hostages, but the dead ones too. The tragic complexities of this multifaceted crisis further underscore dangers to peace and stability throughout the region. Every day, families wait anxiously to hear an answer. Their lives balance hope that their loved ones will return safely with the daily struggle of living in a war zone.
