Hamas aren't stupid though. It is clear those in real power had a very set Idea of what would happen... taking hostages.... and that whatever reason young men went barbarian instead (I feel like whatever I write is inadequate) rewriting history eg what dead babies is very difficult when it's clear and there is evidence that children were brutalised/ murdered/ taken hostage.
The world view generally js that they shouldn't have done that. They now need to be seen as approachable and tip the balance again. Releasing two elderly ladies shows the human side. And two Americans (placating Biden temporarily) they know they risk a lot more holding onto those with dual citizenship.
I am not the spokeswoman for all of the Middle East but there is less understanding there of the Palestinian plight and the need to help. I have just watched a news piece with one of the emirates spokespeople. They think we have no understanding of the threat we face as we don't take radicalisation seriously. Egypt has made it clear they do not want Palestinian refugees as with them come Hamas and their country has had its fair share of internal trouble.
Israel may well have said no. Because if they hold onto all the hostages and get them all out it doesn't leave that young lady who was pulled by her hair into a jeep, the soldiers who will just disappear, the women they paraded through the streets. It keeps them all in the public eye. Because in some cases run of the mill Jews just aren't as important.
Of course I think this situation is dire but honestly I see no other choice. Let's say they decide just to amass at the border and sit down with Hamas.... it's part of their charter to get rid of the Jews as a whole.... I am loathe to use the word eradicate. What then? They have been offered numerous times the two state solution. They don't want it. They are not In this to compromise.
If you believe either side will hand war criminals over to be tried you are somewhat naive as both sides believe they have right and god on their sides.