After 5 years of captivity in Gaza 25 year old Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier who had been kidnapped and held incommunicado by Hamas, was exchanged for 1050 Palestinians imprisoned in Israel for various offences against the Jewish state. While families and friends on both sides were happy Hamas portrayed it as a victory in its war against the Zionists. At first glance it would seem to be an overwhelming victory for Hamas but a little thought shows how dangerous the implications could be. It seems to lay down a new benchmark - one Israeli equals 1050 Palestinians. In any future confrontation, which is inevitable, Israelis would be tempted to treat Palestinians with contempt, as human dross with no value. Israel has traditionally responded to any attack with disproportional violence in an attempt to instill fear into their adversaries. After this exchange Israeli soldiers may be tempted to be even more indifferent to Palestinian suffering. On the other side it shows how little value Hamas places on its own people. This is probably why Hamas is able to send women and children as suicide bombers. Thus Hamas exhibits the same callous indifference for Palestinians as Israelis do. Since it does not have any value for Palestinians it is not surprising that Hamas wants to wipe out Israel and its people. Also it will do anything to subjugate its people to stay in power. Like communist states keep their citizens poor so as to prevent dissent Hamas will keep Palestinians in Gaza in abject poverty to encourage anger and channel it against Israel. Its killing of Fatah supporters shows its intent. This exchange will not bring peace, it may bring more brutality.