In any communication between two people, the basis for a clear understanding is to speak a common language, or at the very least, to have an intermediary that makes an accurate translation so that not only the language, but the intention is clear between the two parties.

That is the great tragedy of the so-called Israeli-palestinian conflict. A lot of players demand to be involved, most of them do not speak the language and this has created a huge historical misunderstanding whose failing results are still with us today.

In the case of the current efforts to strike a hostage deal with Hamas this misunderstanding has brought the deal to a standstill.