Former Israeli peace negotiator on ceasefire, hostages and peace in Middle East

Editor's note: Due to a scheduling change, this segment did not air on Aug. 1, 2024, as planned.

Wednesday's predawn killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh leaves already-tenuous negotiations between Hamas and Israel — for a ceasefire, for the release of Israeli hostages, and ultimately, for an end to the war — on even shakier ground.

Haniyeh, 62, was a top negotiator in the ceasefire talks when he was killed in Tehran, where he was attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Though Israel has not taken responsibility for the assassination, Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly issued orders for a direct strike on Israel. Haniyeh's killing is also likely to increase attacks by Iranian proxies.

So, is there any prospect of peace for the region? Host Scott Tong talks to Gershon Baskin, who has dedicated his career to facilitating peace negotiations in the Middle East. He also founded the Israeli-Palestinian Public Policy Institute.

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