Istanbul, Turkey – A senior Hamas official revealed to the media on Wednesday that the Islamic militant group is open to a ceasefire lasting five years or more with Israel. The official, Khalil al-Hayya, stated that Hamas is willing to disarm, transform into a political party, and work towards establishing an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders.
Al-Hayya’s comments come during a period of stalled negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, signaling a potential shift in Hamas’ stance towards Israel. However, it is unlikely that Israel would entertain such a scenario, given its strong opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state on territories it captured in the 1967 Mideast war.
The Hamas official also expressed the group’s willingness to join the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to create a unified government for Gaza and the West Bank. He outlined Hamas’ vision for a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including the return of Palestinian refugees in accordance with international resolutions, along the pre-1967 borders.
Moreover, Al-Hayya mentioned that if a Palestinian state is established, Hamas’s military wing would dissolve, following a pattern seen in other independence movements where military forces transform into national armies post-independence.
In the ongoing conflict, Hamas has shown some moderation in its public stance regarding a two-state solution, though its official position still holds firm on the full liberation of Palestine. The group’s ultimate goal remains the destruction of Israel, raising questions about the implications of its current openness to a ceasefire and political transformation.
As the war in Gaza continues, with ceasefire negotiations at a standstill, both sides accuse each other of intransigence. Qatar, a key mediator, is reassessing its role in the talks as tensions persist, further complicating efforts to reach a long-term truce and secure the release of remaining hostages.
Most recently, Hamas officials have relocated from Qatar to Turkey, where they met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The developments indicate a shifting landscape in the region’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and achieve lasting peace between Israel and Hamas.
Looking ahead, uncertainties loom over the possibility of a permanent ceasefire and the fate of remaining hostages in Gaza. Despite ongoing challenges and disagreements, both sides continue to navigate complex negotiations in search of a resolution to the prolonged conflict in the region.