The Human Cost of the Israel-Hamas War: Hostages, Trust, and the Path Forward
January 15, 2025 | Ambassador Dennis Ross with Patt Morrison: Israel in Crisis Briefing #20
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, Ambassador Dennis Ross, a veteran diplomat and expert in Middle East policy, shared his insights into the humanitarian and societal consequences of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. As a former negotiator in U.S.-led peace efforts under Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Ross has spent decades working to bridge the gap between Israelis and Palestinians. The discussion focused on the devastating toll the war has taken on civilians, the complexities of the hostage exchange, and the long road ahead for rebuilding trust and stability in the region.
The Human Toll: Lives Disrupted and Destroyed
The Israel-Hamas conflict has left a trail of destruction on both sides, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. For the Israeli hostages held in Gaza, months of captivity have been marked by psychological and physical torment. Some have endured torture, while others have been subjected to unimaginable suffering, including reports of sexual violence against female hostages. Many families are still waiting for answers, unsure whether their loved ones are alive or dead.
On the Palestinian side, relentless airstrikes and ground operations have devastated communities. Thousands of civilians, including children, have lost their lives, and countless others have been displaced. Gaza’s infrastructure—hospitals, schools, and homes—lies in ruins, leaving an already impoverished population struggling to survive. The humanitarian crisis is worsening, with limited access to food, clean water, and medical care.
Ross emphasized that the war has deepened the trauma on both sides, making reconciliation even more challenging. Both Israelis and Palestinians are consumed by their own pain, struggling to see beyond their suffering to the possibility of coexistence.
The Hostage Deal: A Contentious Bargain
At the heart of the current ceasefire agreement is a highly controversial hostage exchange. Under the deal, Hamas is set to release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners. The ratio—historically set at 50 Palestinian prisoners for each Israeli hostage—has sparked debate, with many Israelis questioning the fairness of the arrangement. Critics argue that the released Palestinian prisoners have been convicted of crimes, while the Israeli hostages were innocent civilians abducted from their homes.
Despite the controversy, Ross pointed out that such lopsided exchanges are not new. In 2011, Israel released 1,026 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a single soldier, Gilad Shalit. The reality, he explained, is that hostage negotiations are rarely about fairness—they are about securing the return of citizens at any cost.
However, the deal does not guarantee the release of all Israeli hostages. Many families remain fearful that their loved ones will be left behind, caught in political limbo as the ceasefire negotiations unfold. Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners and their families see their release as a rare moment of victory amid ongoing oppression and displacement.
The Palestinian Authority’s Role and Struggles
A major question looming over the post-war period is the role of the Palestinian Authority (PA). While some regional players—such as Egypt, the UAE, and Morocco—have expressed willingness to support a transitional administration in Gaza, they insist that the PA must be part of the solution. These countries are unwilling to be seen as helping Israel control Gaza; instead, they want to position themselves as rescuers of the Palestinian people.
However, Netanyahu’s government has long worked to weaken the PA, seeing it as an unreliable partner. At the same time, the PA itself has lost credibility among Palestinians, who view it as corrupt and ineffective. If Gaza is to be rebuilt, the PA must undergo significant reforms to regain the trust of its own people and the international community.
The Trust Deficit: Israelis and Palestinians at an Impasse
One of the most profound consequences of this war is the complete erosion of trust between Israelis and Palestinians. Ross explained that the two sides are now more divided than ever, with little hope for immediate reconciliation. Israelis remain traumatized by the October 7th attack, which shattered their sense of security. Meanwhile, Palestinians see Israel’s military response as further proof that their lives are undervalued on the global stage.
This breakdown in trust makes any discussion of a two-state solution extraordinarily difficult. For decades, peace efforts have been anchored in the belief that both sides could find common ground. Today, that belief has all but disappeared. Even pragmatic leaders struggle to envision a future where Israelis and Palestinians can coexist peacefully.
What Comes Next?
Despite the grim reality, Ross believes there is still a pathway to stability—if the right steps are taken. A regional and international effort to support Gaza’s recovery could be a crucial first step. Arab nations, working alongside Western allies, may help build a transitional governing system that restores order and begins to rebuild trust.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s interest in normalizing relations with Israel presents an opportunity for diplomacy. If a Saudi-Israeli agreement is brokered, it could come with provisions for Palestinian governance and statehood, forcing both sides back to the negotiating table. However, this will require significant concessions from Israel, including halting settlement expansion and allowing for a credible path toward Palestinian self-rule.
For now, the immediate priority is ensuring that the ceasefire holds and that humanitarian aid reaches those in need. But in the long term, both Israelis and Palestinians will have to reckon with their shared future—whether they like it or not.
A Long Road to Recovery
Ambassador Ross made it clear that while diplomacy may have paused the violence, true peace remains elusive. The war has deepened divisions, shattered families, and left lasting scars on both sides. While the ceasefire agreement is a step toward stability, it is not a solution.
Moving forward, the international community must invest in rebuilding Gaza, supporting responsible Palestinian leadership, and fostering dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. Without these efforts, the region risks repeating the cycle of violence, ensuring that suffering continues for generations to come.
The road to peace is long and uncertain—but it is one that must be traveled.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.