Hamas kidnapped over 240 people from different nationalities and transferred them from Israeli territory to hidden locations in Gaza on a single day, October 7, 2023. Hamas did not spare babies, children, or the elderly. Hamas holds the kidnapped victims as bargaining chips as well as human shields in violation of basic human rights. Though it seems that Israel is uniquely vulnerable to terrorist kidnappings, the threat is global and Israel’s response to Hamas demands will determine the vulnerability of other countries as well. The lecture will tackle the following questions: What qualifies as terrorist kidnapping? Why is it so difficult for democratic societies to deal with it? What are the prices of conceding to terrorist demands? How can the law assist countries in enhancing their bargaining position and reducing terrorist incentives to kidnap? The lecture will draw from the experience of the U.S., Italy, Colombia and Israel.
Sponsoring Organization(s)
This event is organized by Law Students for Israel (an unofficial student group) with the sponsorship of Professor Yair Listokin.