Mediators have learned that the head of Hamas’s military wing in Gaza, Izz al-Din al-Haddad, disagrees with the new US-backed ceasefire plan. Al-Haddad reportedly believes the plan is designed to dismantle Hamas, regardless of their acceptance, and is determined to continue fighting.
While some Hamas political leaders in Qatar may be open to the plan with modifications, they lack leverage due to their inability to control the hostages held by the group. The proposal, which Israel has accepted, requires Hamas to disarm and relinquish any governing role in Gaza.
A major sticking point for some within Hamas is the requirement to release all hostages within the first 72 hours of a ceasefire, effectively surrendering their primary bargaining tool. Despite assurances from US President Donald Trump that Israel would adhere to the terms, deep distrust persists. This is exacerbated by a recent Israeli airstrike in Doha, reportedly aimed at assassinating Hamas leadership, which directly defied US assurances.
Hamas leaders are also reportedly opposed to the inclusion of a temporary International Stabilization Force for Gaza, viewing it as a renewed form of occupation. The proposed plan includes a map showing buffer zones along Gaza’s borders with Egypt and Israel, the administration of which remains unclear and could also be a point of contention if Israel is involved.
Adding to the complexities, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly indicated reservations about certain terms of the plan. His statements suggest that Israeli forces might remain in parts of Gaza and that Israel will resist the establishment of a Palestinian state, contradicting the US framework’s provisions for Israeli troop withdrawal and a pathway to Palestinian self-determination.
Hamas has historically maintained that it would not disarm without the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. The current conflict began with the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the taking of 251 hostages. Since then, the Gaza health ministry reports that over 66,000 people have been killed in Israeli military operations in the territory.