A complete takeover of the Gaza Strip, reportedly under consideration by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, risks the lives of Hamas hostages, according to former Israeli Ambassador to Germany, Shimon Stein. Speaking to the German media network “Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland” Stein expressed grave concerns that Netanyahu may be willing to sacrifice the hostages during a full-scale conquest of Gaza City.
Stein highlighted the existing Israeli military presence, noting that Israel already controls approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip. He emphasized that military officials have consistently cautioned against a complete takeover to avoid jeopardizing the hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and still held captive.
He urged the German government to immediately initiate direct negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of German nationals held hostage. Stein argued that, if necessary, Germany should assume responsibility for the release of its citizens, even if it meant conflicting with the Netanyahu government’s policies.
Drawing a parallel to past successes, Stein cited former U.S. President Donald Trump’s use of unconventional dialogue to secure the release of U.S. hostages. He suggested Germany should consider a similar approach, potentially overriding Israeli governmental constraints to achieve the release of German citizens.