The conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has entered its third year, with ongoing fighting and a large number of civilians still being held captive. International bodies and humanitarian organisations continue to call for an immediate cease‑fire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
In a recent interview, a former Israeli negotiator who participated in earlier talks with Hamas asserted that Israel had the capacity to bring the war to a close and secure the freedom of the captives much earlier than it did. The former official suggested that strategic choices made by Israeli decision‑makers delayed the opening of diplomatic channels that could have led to a settlement.
According to the ex‑negotiator, the reluctance to engage in sustained negotiations stemmed from political calculations and a preference for a military‑focused approach. He argued that a more flexible stance, including the willingness to discuss interim arrangements, might have created conditions for a cease‑fire and the subsequent release of hostages. The commentary did not provide specific details about the timing or content of the proposed talks, but emphasized that the window for a diplomatic resolution narrowed as the conflict progressed.
Israeli officials have not publicly responded to the former negotiator’s remarks, and no new peace initiatives have been announced following the interview. The statement adds to a growing chorus of voices within Israel and abroad urging a reassessment of the current strategy, highlighting the human cost of the prolonged hostilities. Observers note that any shift toward renewed negotiations would require coordination with regional actors and a clear framework for addressing security concerns on both sides.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/2/israel-couldve-ended-gaza-war-freed-captives-sooner-israel-ex-negotiator?traffic_source=rss.