Gershon Baskin Urges Immediate Gaza War End, Highlights Hamas Hostage Deal, Blames Netanyahu for October 7, Calls on Trump to Act

Gershon Baskin, a former Israeli hostage negotiator and one of the architects of the Gilad Shalit deal, has called for an immediate end to the Gaza war, stating that the continued Israeli military presence in Gaza is unnecessary and dangerous. He warned that as long as Israeli soldiers remain in Gaza, Hamas will continue targeting them, leading to further casualties. Baskin criticized the human cost of the conflict as high and unjustified, emphasizing that the people of Gaza are struggling daily to survive. He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the war to protect his political career and stressed that Netanyahu bears responsibility for the events of October 7.

Baskin urged U.S. President Donald Trump, who supports Netanyahu, to pressure the Israeli leader to end the conflict, noting that Israel relies heavily on U.S. support and Netanyahu is unlikely to resist such pressure. He also highlighted that Hamas is willing to negotiate a deal involving all Israeli hostages if the war concludes. Baskin pointed out that public opinion in Israel is increasingly calling for an end to the war, and that Netanyahu has prevented any constructive discussion about Gaza's post-war future. Meanwhile, an opinion piece in the Jerusalem Post underscored the need for decisive leadership from Netanyahu to end the war, bring hostages home, and pursue regional normalization through a ceasefire.