[rdcbn1]

The end game here is to defeat the Hamas to the extent that the people holding the hostages negotiate directly with the IDF for their release.

There are probably very few hostages that can be released. Many are probably dead already and more than a few of those still alive will be killed by their captors to cover up for the crimes committed by those holding them.

[Brian Griffin]

If HAMAS fighters can be identified as not being war criminals, then they might be engaged by the IDF to search and round up hostages in return for not being placed in a POW camp.