ANALYSIS – In addition to the wait and the many questions, currently unanswered, even more difficult hours lie ahead for the families.
The trauma of the hostages has spread to Israeli society. With the backdrop of the wait that begins, and the questions, currently unanswered, that torment parents, loved ones, friends: where are they? Are they treated well? How will they overcome this ordeal? And what can the army do about this puzzle? An unprecedented puzzle in a country which has nevertheless had to face other hostage takings, but never of this magnitude: a “POM”, a massive hostage taking, as anti-terrorism specialists say.
After long hours of uncertainty, the Israeli authorities were able to measure the extent of the disaster: some 150 people are detained across the Gaza Strip, civilians and soldiers, including high-ranking officers, women and children.
As in most hostage situations, Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which hold these kidnapped people, will use their detention. Even more difficult hours lie ahead…