The Price of Humanity

The recent announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and the terrorist organization Hamas has many layers to it. On one side, it goes to demonstrate Israel’s supreme respect for the value of human life. On the other, it illustrates the ethical and strategic dilemmas that come with negotiating a partner in International Relations whose objective is the complete destruction of the Jewish nation.

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas includes several key points: an initial four- to six-week truce to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza; the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages for nearly 2,000 so-called Palestinians, most terrorists; the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, particularly along the border, including Wadi Gaza; the opening of the Rafah border crossing to facilitate the transport of civilians and the wounded, with Israel working to complete infrastructure at the crossing; and the phased return of unarmed so-called Palestinian internally displaced persons to their home regions, starting with pedestrians on the seventh day of the truce. Some hardliners in the Knesset have strongly criticized this deal (several members of the Otzma Yehudit party, notably Itamar Ben-Gvir — Israel’s police minister — have already resigned).

The President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, with the families of those held captive by Hamas. October 22, 2023 © by publ. dom. (Kobi Gideon)

Israel’s agreement to release thousands of “Palestinian” prisoners, including convicted terrorists, in exchange for a small number of Israeli hostages is emblematic of its values. Even in the face of an unequal exchange, Israel has once again prioritized the lives of its citizens above political or strategic considerations. This stands in stark contrast to Hamas, which not only holds hostages but also views human lives — both Israeli and “Palestinian”, Russian, Serbian, US-American etc. — as mere bargaining chips.

However, the role of Qatar in brokering the agreement adds a layer of complexity. Qatar has been known to support Hamas and other anti-Israeli terrorist groups and so the fact that they facilitated the negotiations is not shocking. This essentially brings forth a slew of questions regarding the moral compromises that Israel has to make while dealing with a mediator who supports its enemies. It is also imperative to understand that for Israel, a sovereign state, the prospect of negotiating with Hamas, a terrorist organization that has made it fully clear that its goal is to destroy the state of Israel and the Jewish people, is a bitter pill to swallow, and does come with a number of moral and ideological paradoxes. Mark Twain once created a quote that I find fitting: “It feels like eating fresh bread, but with lots of sand and little stones in it.”

Hamas, however, approached these negotiations from a position of significant weakness. Years of successful Israeli intelligence and military operations have severely diminished its leadership and operational capabilities. High-profile figures such as Ahmed Jabari, Yahya Ayash, and Bassem Issa have been eliminated in meticulously planned strikes. Sophisticated operations targeting Hamas’ infrastructure, including the use of advanced electronic surveillance to neutralize key operatives, have further eroded its strength. The intelligence brilliance with which Israeli intelligence services remove Israel’s enemies from the menu is, meanwhile, impressing its enemies too.

Antisemitism, especially in the European Union, has increased massively due to the conflict in the Middle East. In many parts of the EU, it has become a problem for Jews to openly wear Jewish symbols, as they are increasingly confronted with aggression, particularly from “certain” immigrant groups. This issue affects not only Jewish neighborhoods but every individual Jew living in the European Union.

Conversely, in Serbia, for example, which has a very stringent immigration policy on certain nations, has always valued and promoted interfaith harmony. In Serbia, especially in Belgrade, I can walk down the street at any time wearing a kippah without fear for my safety. I can’t think of any other European city where I could do the same.

The deal also highlights the enduring influence of newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump. Although he has not yet assumed office, Trump’s network within U.S. intelligence and his close ties to pro-Israel lobbying groups played a crucial role in shaping the agreement. These groups, with the exception of one, are all largely aligned with Republican policies and have been openly critical of the Biden administration, accusing it of weakening U.S. influence in the region.

Protecting the Jewish state requires more than just nice words, but actions. The Biden administration has shown unprecedented incompetence when it comes to Israel and the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to accept the agreement made a change in his stance imperative. Netanyahu, who had long opposed compromising on key security principles such as maintaining control over the Philadelphia and Netzarim corridors, ultimately faced a moral stalemate.

This concession highlights the intense internal pressure Netanyahu faced, as his government struggled with the unreliable support of the Biden administration, which many saw as weak and inconsistent in its policies towards Israel. With such a key ally uncertain and the political climate at home increasingly volatile, Netanyahu had little choice but to make difficult compromises.

While the agreement cannot be seen as a victory for Israel, it highlights the nation’s core values. The rescue of additional hostages demonstrates Israel’s unwavering belief that human life has no price tag. In stark contrast, Hamas and its affiliated organizations have shown time and again that human lives, including their own, have no value beyond being used as tools for political gain. This example further illustrates the profound moral chasm between Israel’s commitment to the sanctity of life and the complete disregard for it shown by Hamas.

Given the number of victims, it is difficult for me to speak of victory. But there is one thing I would like to say to all of us: the radicalized young men and women of the so-called Palestinians, the families of the victims on all sides, the profiteers in Qatar and other countries of these conflicts and those who are hopeless: