Hamas threatens to withdraw from agreement as Israel faces dilemma

As reported by News 14 on Tuesday, against the backdrop of ongoing contacts to formulate an agreement in the Gaza Strip, Hamas has conveyed a message to mediators that it is considering withdrawing from emerging understandings for a deal, claiming that Israel is continuing its airstrikes throughout the Strip. This development may affect the sensitive negotiations currently underway.

News 14 has learned that in Israel, the significance of the message conveyed by Hamas and possible courses of action are being examined. The main dilemma is whether to continue military pressure, including strikes and targeted killings, based on the assumption that it increases pressure on Hamas, or to temporarily halt military activity to try to advance negotiations and bring about a breakthrough.

As recalled, yesterday, Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich and Minister of Settlements Orit Strock addressed an urgent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demanding an immediate convening of the Security Cabinet to stop the implementation of the "Road Map" published by the Board of Peace until it is amended to meet the goals of the war and commitments given to Israel.

According to them, the official document published at the end of the week differs significantly from the outline presented to cabinet ministers during discussions that preceded its approval. They claim the cabinet's decision was based on information that does not match the final version, and therefore a new decision is required to prevent the implementation of the outline in its current format. The letter warns that without immediate intervention, a security reality could be created in the Gaza Strip that contradicts the goals of the war.