Hamas took nearly a fortnight to react to the recent overture from Israel for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza, which the US President, Joe Biden, initially detailed on the final day of May. The response was disappointing to those aspiring for a significant breakthrough, initiating a process that could result in terminating the ongoing war. This conflict, now in its ninth month, has already claimed the lives of over 37,000 Gaza inhabitants and 1,200 Israelis, with approximately 120 hostages still under Hamas custody.
In a claim, Hamas mentioned that they had positively addressed the recent peace offer, indicating their doubt about Israel’s readiness to cease combat. “Even though [US secretary of state Antony] Blinken is consistently discussing Israel’s agreement to the latest suggestion, we have not witnessed any Israeli personnel expressing approval,” – as stated by Hamas.
However, Netanyahu’s coalition’s far-right faction goes against the ongoing draft; religious parties are in favour of a deal, and the opposition has pledged parliamentary support for any deal facilitating the hostages’ return.
Reflecting on the response from Hamas, in Qatar, Blinken informed that Hamas had proposed “numerous amendments” to the peace proposal, with only a few being viable. Blinken stated that some of Hamas’s propositions surpassed what the group had initially accepted.
Notwithstanding the stumbling block, Blinken firmly believes the discussions must continue, as he stressed Washington’s unwavering commitment to mediate the difference between the opposing sides.
Although, it is quite apparent that the negotiations have reached a standstill, fundamentally, have been in this state for some time now. On the evening of the Hamas offensive on the seventh day of October, Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of the Hamas political office, stated that the hostages captured then would only be released when Israel ascertained the termination of the war. Over 100 hostages were set free in November, but due to intense pressure from Washington, coupled with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, there has been marginal improvement towards a comprehensive truce since then.
In an official comment, Israel noted that by responding as it did, Hamas was essentially “negating the proposal set forth by the US president.”
Growing sentiment in Israel suggests that Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’s leader in Gaza, might not be genuinely seeking a conclusion to the ongoing conflict. The situation appears to be favouring his cause, with Israel’s defence services stuck in a difficult situation in Gaza, and Israeli Prime Minister, Binyamin Netanyahu’s envisioned “complete triumph” failing to materialise. More than ever, Israel finds itself cornered on the international stage, with continued protests in Western capitals every week.
Hamas is on the verge of securing a major victory, as it appears more plausible now than any time since October 7th to ignite a second conflict along Israel’s border with Lebanon. Hizbullah has launched hundreds of missiles into Israel for two days in a row, escalating the demands on Netanyahu’s administration to officially declare war.
Behind the tragic fatalities and rampant devastation in Gaza, Hamas’s fame on the Palestinian avenue is still remarkable. A recent poll indicates that it has the backing of over 60% of individuals in the West Bank, with no reliable Palestinian substitute stepping up to assume leadership over Gaza.
Hamas representatives often equate the Gaza War to the battles in Algeria, Vietnam and Afghanistan, hinting at the possibility of a protracted conflict with more casualties yet to come.