Over the weekend, Hamas appeared to give up its long-standing demand that Israel promise to end the war as part of any cessation of hostilities pact.
Several Middle Eastern and US officials believe that the level of devastation in the Gaza Strip caused by the israeli offensive which began nine months ago has probably contributed to the Hamas softens its demands to reach a ceasefire agreement. Over the weekend, Hamas appeared to give up its long-standing demand that Israel promise to end the war as part of any cessation of hostilities pact.
This sudden change has raised new hopes for progress in the internationally mediated negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boasted on Sunday that military pressureincluding military operations that have been carried out for two months in the city of Rafahin southern Gaza, “is what has led Hamas to enter into negotiations.”
Hamas wants Israel to cease to exist
The Islamic fundamentalist organization, which seeks the destruction of Israel, is very secretive and little is known about its internal workings. However, in recent internal communications observed by The Associated Press, messages signed by several senior Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip urged the political leadership of the group in exile to accept the proposal ceasefire agreement presented by the president of the United States, Joe Biden.
The messages, shared by a Middle East official familiar with the ongoing negotiations, described the large losses that Hamas has suffered on the battlefield and the terrible conditions of the territory, which has been devastated by war. The official wanted to remain anonymous when sharing the content of Hamas’ internal communications.
Internal division in Hamas regarding a ceasefire in Gaza
It is unknown whether this pressure has influenced the flexibility of the organization, but the messages indicate divisions within the group and a willingness of the main militants to reach an agreement quickly, although the head of Hamas in Gaza, Yahia Sinwar, is in no rush to do so. Sinwar has been hiding since The war broke out last October and is believed to be sheltered in an underground tunnel.
Two US officials say the American government is aware of the internal divisions in Hamas and that those divisions, the destruction in Gaza or pressure from mediators, Egypt and Qatar, could have been key factors in the militant group softening its demands to reach an agreement.
