[CIB-173RDABN]

if there were no hostages. They can still leave the hostages on the lower levels to drown, while they move to higher levels, but they can kill the hostages any time they please for that matter.

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Hamas was using hostages to buy time for rest and resupply. If they had any more hostages alive they would still be trading them. (There may be some hostages alive but I think Hamas brutilized so much they are reluctant to let them go to tell their story).

Regardless, Israel must act as if there are no hostages. It sounds cruel but the alternative is that Hamas will simple keep taking hostage as long as they believe they can be used at some point.

Flooding the tunnels is the best option at this time.

[OldGoatCPO]

I agree, I suspect Hamas has already killed the majority of the remaining hostages. Many probably died from injuries or abuse shortly after 7 October. The ones left will be the bargaining chip to allow some Hamas to escape to Lebanon or Syria. I suspect Israel would agree since they can kill them in either place later. If Hamas surrendered, used hostages for safe passage out of Gaza, it would mean an end to hostilities, the IDF can draw down substantially and get their economy back on track. People forget that Israel can only stay mobilized for a short period of time before it will seriously impact their economy. Hezbollah and Hamas know this.