Gershon Baskin, an Israeli peace activist, “was at the center of attempts to open negotiations,” and that he is in touch with senior members of the Hamas movement, as well as high-ranking Israeli officials, including Olmert and members of his family.

Gershon Baskin, a veteran Israel peace activist, was at the centre of attempts to open negotiations. Baskin was in touch with senior members of Hamas, Israeli officials and Olmert, via the member of his family.

According to the report, veteran Israeli peace activist Gershon Baskin was at the center of attempts to open negotiations. He was in touch with senior members of Hamas, Israeli officials and Olmert, via the member of his family.

Gershon Baskin was used as an intermediary between the militant group, Israeli officials, and Olmert, by way of a member of the PM’s family.

Baskin is quoted by the Observer as saying that Israel missed several opportunities over recent years to pursue dialogue with Hamas, including over captured Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, who was seized by Hamas-linked militants in a cross-border raid in June 2006.