Col. (Ret.) Miri Eisin from the International Institute for Counterterrorism at Reichman University highlights the complexity of pressuring Hamas to release Israeli hostages. She notes that Egypt and the local population in Gaza may exert influence, but the United States lacks direct leverage over Hamas. Eisin also points out the challenge posed by the divided leadership of Hamas, with one faction based in Qatar and another operating within Gaza, where the hostages are held. This split complicates efforts to negotiate and apply effective pressure for the hostages' release.