Hamas Offers Truce and Political Transformation
The Islamist group is willing to lay down its arms and form a political party
A top Hamas political official, Khalil al-Hayya, revealed that the group is open to a truce with Israel that lasts for five years or more. However, the conditions for this truce include the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along pre-1967 borders. Al-Hayya stated that if this were to happen, Hamas would lay down its weapons and convert into a political party. This is a significant concession from Hamas, as they have previously been committed to Israel’s destruction.
Hamas’ Stance
Hamas has expressed its desire to join the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and form a unified government for Gaza and the West Bank. Al-Hayya emphasized that Hamas would support a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, in accordance with international resolutions and along Israel’s pre-1967 borders. To achieve this, Hamas believes its military wing would dissolve, as is the case for many forces that have fought for independence and obtained statehood.
Israel’s Position
While Hamas has expressed its willingness for a truce and political transformation, it is unlikely that Israel would consider such a scenario. Israel has vowed to crush Hamas following the deadly attacks that triggered the ongoing war. Furthermore, Israel’s current leadership adamantly opposes the creation of a Palestinian state on the lands it captured in the 1967 war.
The Stalemate and the Way Forward
Despite Hamas’ offer, there has been no immediate reaction from Israel or the Palestinian Authority. The war in Gaza, which has now extended for almost seven months, has resulted in a stalemate in ceasefire negotiations. Talks for a longer-term truce and the release of hostages have now stalled, with each side accusing the other of intransigence. Israeli and U.S. officials have questioned the sincerity of Hamas’ intentions. Hamas, on the other hand, maintains that it will not back down from its demands for a permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Qatar’s Role and the Future of Mediation
In recent days, Qatar, a key mediator in the negotiations, has stated that it is reassessing its role. Most of Hamas’ top political officials have left Qatar and traveled to Turkey. However, al-Hayya denied that a permanent move of the group’s main political office is in progress. Instead, Hamas hopes to see Qatar continue its mediation role.
Hamas’ Evaluation and Continued Resistance
Al-Hayya defended Hamas’ actions, stating that the attacks launched on Israel were not targeted at civilians, despite evidence to the contrary. He also asserted that the operation succeeded in bringing the Palestinian issue back to the world’s attention. Al-Hayya warned that attempts to eradicate Hamas will not prevent future Palestinian armed uprisings, and emphasized the Palestinian people’s continued existence and desire for their own state.
