Hamas ceasefire nod could be bid for ‘exit strategy’

Hayajneh believes that Hamas "wants a ceasefire and they have no problem exchanging captives for prisoners". He added that Hamas "needs an exit strategy for them and relief for the Palestinian people in Gaza".

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Hamas‘s recent acceptance of a ceasefire proposal presented by mediators has sparked optimism that a long-awaited breakthrough in negotiations could be close.

According to Adnan Hayajneh, a professor of international relations at Qatar University, Hamas’s move signals that it is open to an “exit strategy” while international sympathy for the Palestinian cause is high.

Hayajneh believes that Hamas “wants a ceasefire and they have no problem exchanging captives for prisoners”. He added that Hamas “needs an exit strategy for them and relief for the Palestinian people in Gaza”.

Hayajneh also suggests that Hamas is likely taking into consideration the growing international momentum for the Palestinian cause, as more countries move to recognize Palestinian statehood.

This development has significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as it could potentially shift the balance of power in favor of the Palestinians.

However, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu facing conflicting pressure over how to handle the war at home, Hayajneh said it is “very hard to predict” how he will proceed.

The ceasefire proposal includes a 60-day truce, during which military operations would be suspended, and humanitarian aid would be allowed to flow into Gaza.

An Egyptian official source revealed that the period of suspension would see the exchange of Palestinian prisoners in return for the release of half of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

However, Israeli officials have made it clear that any agreement would require Hamas to agree to certain conditions, including the release of all abductees, exile of Hamas leadership to a third country, disarmament, and avoidance of active political participation in Gaza.

Despite the optimism surrounding the ceasefire proposal, there are several challenges and uncertainties that need to be addressed.

Netanyahu’s government faces opposition from far-right ministers, who are opposed to any deal that would see Hamas retain control of Gaza.

Additionally, the US has expressed its support for Israel’s demands, including the complete demilitarization of Gaza and the destruction of Hamas. These developments have raised questions about the viability and prospects of the ceasefire agreement.

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