Analysist reveals: "Hostages are Hamas' insurance policy, without them, Hamas is powerless" 

Trump had set a deadline, warning that "hell" would break loose if all hostages were not freed by Saturday at noon. Issacharoff shared his perspective on the ongoing negotiations, stating that Hamas itself seems uncertain about its goals.

Issacharoff noted a divide between Hamas’ leadership in Gaza and that of its external wing. While the Gaza leadership claimed that the hostage deal would not continue, the leadership abroad indicated that Hamas might still be open to negotiations. He explained that Hamas' rhetoric of violation by Israel is largely a display of power, a way of asserting that the group is not ready to give up its control over Gaza without a fight.

"The gates of hell opened when the ground operation began," Issacharoff remarked, emphasizing the widespread destruction in Gaza. He further stressed that Hamas' behavior reflects its determination to retain control. "Gaza is not Herzliya Pituah," he noted, underlining the complexity and challenges of the situation.

Issacharoff also expressed confusion over Trump's statements, saying there was little clarity on what the U.S. president truly wants or intends to achieve. From Issacharoff’s viewpoint, Hamas is playing a tactical game in the hostage situation. He believes Hamas is reluctant to complete the deal, especially the second stage of the hostage release. The reason, according to Issacharoff, is that the hostages are "Hamas' insurance policy." If all hostages are freed, Hamas fears Israel would resume strikes against its leadership, thus weakening its power. The hostages, therefore, remain a critical bargaining chip for the terror group.

For Hamas, the hostages are not individuals but symbols of its leverage in a much broader political and military context.