Pows

The laws regarding prisoners of war apply only to armed conflicts between states and pertain to individuals who fall into the hands of an adversary state's forces.   

• Hamas and other terrorist organizations are not considered state military forces.   

• Therefore, irrespective of the status of the Palestinian Authority or the classification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the laws on prisoners of war do not apply.   

• Holding both civilian and soldier hostages constitutes a violation of the laws of war and is classified as a war crime. 

POWs are captured soldiers protected under the Geneva Conventions. Hamas violates this by denying Israeli captives—soldiers and civilians—basic rights, while Israel lawfully detains Hamas terrorists, many of whom forfeit POW status by attacking civilians