Releasing Hostages in Gaza

Challenge

Two FoxNews journalist were kidnapped at gunpoint in Gaza. The FoxNews bureau chief in Israel turned to Consensus for help in handling the hostage negotiation.

Consensus Solution

It became clear very quickly that the hostage-takers, who called themselves the Holy Jihad Brigades, would not speak with anyone other than the local bureau chief. This defined Consensus’ role, as we could not negotiate directly; instead we guided the negotiation process and dialogues.

We quickly implemented a two-pronged approach. First, we built and leveraged relationships with various individuals and entities that could influence the situation from within Gaza. Second, we employed a variety of indirect communication efforts to impress upon the hostage-takers that they lacked the support of the very people they were trying to impress and that their best option was to release their hostages.