Hamas stressed by Gaza ‘conquest,’ wants negotiations: Report

Israeli military plans are pushing Hamas toward renewed ceasefire negotiations, according to Arabic media.

By World Israel News Staff

After repeatedly stalling and rejecting numerous ceasefire deals brokered by the U.S. and Qatar, Hamas is now reportedly eager to return to the negotiating table because of an Israeli plan to “conquer” the Gaza Strip, according to Arabic-language media reports.

Talks between Israel and Hamas had dragged on for months, with President Donald Trump expressing frustration over the terror group’s obstinacy and lack of flexibility.

Even some Gazans have voiced similar criticism of the terror group. One Palestinian journalist called Hamas “treasonous” for failing to make progress toward a ceasefire that could end the war.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last week that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would launch a full-scale incursion into Gaza City.

On Wednesday, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirmed he had approved plans for the “conquest” of Gaza City and expanded operations throughout the entire Strip.

Those revelations have reportedly rattled Hamas, which is now signaling to Egyptian and Qatari mediators that it wants to resume ceasefire negotiations.

Saudi outlet Asharq Al-Awsat News reported that Hamas is showing newfound flexibility, including a willingness to surrender control of the Strip to a transitional government and end its rule over the embattled coastal enclave.

According to the report, Hamas may also agree to a comprehensive hostage deal. This would see the release of all remaining living and deceased Israeli hostages held in Gaza in exchange for an official end to the war and a complete Israeli military withdrawal.

However, Hamas continues to refuse to disarm — a key sticking point for Israel.

Asharq Al-Awsat noted that Israel has backed away from its earlier insistence on full disarmament, and may now consider partial disarmament an acceptable compromise.

The Israeli government has said it is no longer willing to consider a partial hostage deal, under which some — but not all — hostages would be freed in return for a temporary ceasefire.