Israeli defense forces and agencies work hard to capture Palestinian terrorists. They do extensive field work, gather intelligence and risk their lives to apprehend those who participate in or plan violent activities against Israeli armed forces or regular citizens. The arrest involves a swift micro-scale military operation — a re-invasion into the Palestinian Authority or Gaza — with specially trained units performing the dangerous task.

Many high profile wanted terrorists who pulled triggers or assembled exploding devices (as opposed to those who served in logistic and otherwise less prominent roles) were caught and put in Israeli prisons that way. Then, they are all categorized as those “with blood on their hands” and those “without blood on their hands.”

One of the less overt reasons for these kidnappings is gaining political leverage. Whenever Israel needs to show a sign of good will to the Palestinian Authority or the Hamas, it releases a few hundred prisoners — those “without blood on their hands,” of course. By giving up some of that hard work, the state proves that it is ready to compromise in return for a ceasefire.

The hostage taking is a double edged weapon: Palestinians use it too. Currently, the Hamas in Gaza holds Gilad Shalit, a soldier in active military duty who was captured 20 months ago. Gaza leaders demand the release of a few more hundred of prisoners in exchange for the Israeli soldier. Many of the names on the list are terrorists “with blood on their hands.” The negotiations have been stalled and renewed several times — the Israeli government refuses to let go of the bloodstained detainees.

But if the cycle of bloodletting is ever to stop, it is time to abandon labeling involving the life bearing liquid. Labeling is another double edged weapon — “terrorist” to one is a “freedom fighter” to another. Israel must swallow its pride and make the exchange. Gilad’s family awaits him. Hundreds of families await their fathers, husbands and sons. It is time for some full-blooded gestures that would reverse the violent dynamic in the region.