This is the mantra we need to keep repeating in every conversation. Our people must be brought home as the basis for any negotiation.
Many hostages have perished, all have endured unspeakable suffering, and we presume those still alive continue to be abused. This is the moral basis for the continued war on Hamas.
Although Hamas does not care about the killing and destruction inflicted on the Palestinian people and crudely, cynically positions the hostages and the Palestinians as bargaining chips in political maneuvering, we care about them and will continue to fight against the forces of barbarism until our people come home.
I pray for peace, and I pray for the end to the pain and suffering. Bring them home, and then we can take steps toward ending hostilities.