Benny Regev wants to make proof of his brother’s life a requirement for a peace conference with Mahmoud Abbas.
“Ehud Olmert, demand a sign of life of the captives before the peace conference in November, and make this demand a condition for your arrival,” Regev said Sunday, speaking before a crowd of 3,000 at the Nokdim settlement in an event marking the 40th anniversary of settlement in Gush Etzion.
I think that’s a great idea, but he’s working with the wrong terrorists. Abbas has no influence whatsover with Regev’s captors. I say instead, that the answer to Hamas’ latest call for a ceasefire should be this: Israel will consider talking about a ceasefire—but only after they see proof of life from Gilad Shalit, Eldad Regev, and Ehud Goldwasser.
Hamas called on Sunday for a cease-fire with Israel, a possible indication of the effects of the growing pressure the Islamic group faces after months of isolation in the Gaza Strip.
“Gaza’s Hamas government is ready to offer a truce at this time,” Mohammed Awad, a senior Hamas official, told a Gaza Web site affiliated with the Islamic group. Awad’s office confirmed he had made the statement, which echoed similar calls by Hamas in recent months.
Hamas is feeling the heat, definitely. That’s a good thing. Put even more pressure on them.
Mind you, I don’t think it will work. But it’s worth a try. From now on, Israel should preface all dealings with Hamas with a demand of the captives’ proof of life. No proof, no deal. Ever.
israel hamas gilad shalit