Hamas terrorists holed up in tunnels under Rafah. (X)
Hamas sources said the group remains uncertain whether Washington had prior knowledge of the operation or whether US officials view it as a breach of the ceasefire, which has been in effect for roughly two months.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Hamas is pushing for a renewed round of indirect ceasefire negotiations with Israel, seeking talks in Egypt or Qatar as it aims to move the Gaza agreement into its second phase, according to a report Tuesday in the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat.
The initiative comes despite continued frustration within the terror organization over what it describes as inconsistent US messaging surrounding the killing of Raad Saad, Hamas’ second-in-command in Gaza.
Hamas sources said the group remains uncertain whether Washington had prior knowledge of the operation or whether US officials view it as a breach of the ceasefire, which has been in effect for roughly two months.
According to the sources, Hamas does not accept American statements on the strike as an “exoneration” or legitimate justification, and believes the United States routinely provides Israel political cover by defending actions the group considers violations of the truce.
Even so, Hamas leadership reportedly recognizes that Washington is the only actor capable of pressing Israel to advance implementation of the agreement.
Since the ceasefire began, Hamas officials have maintained regular contact with mediators from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey through in-person meetings and phone calls.
These discussions have taken place in Cairo, Doha and Istanbul in varying formats, sometimes involving multiple mediators and at other times just one, with coordination among all parties, the report said.
Hamas is now seeking to convene indirect talks that would include an Israeli delegation and the United States, with the stated aim of increasing pressure on Jerusalem from the Trump administration to advance its plan and “bring stability to the region.”
The discussions are not limited to Hamas’ military status, the sources said.
Other issues under review include reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, postwar governance arrangements and the possible role of a technocratic committee, reopening the Rafah crossing, a full lifting of the blockade, Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the potential deployment of an international force. They emphasized that the departure of Hamas leadership from Gaza has not been raised and is not under consideration.
The report added that current contacts do not signal a deadlock. Ideas continue to circulate among all sides on core Gaza-related issues, alongside internal Hamas consultations with other Palestinian factions and intensified efforts to convene a broader national dialogue in Cairo. Hamas sources said more significant developments could emerge by the end of the month or early next month.
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