On Foreign News
A senior Hamas political official has expressed willingness to negotiate a ceasefire with Israel for a period of five years or more, alongside a commitment to disarm and transition into a political entity if an independent Palestinian state is established within pre-1967 borders.
In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Khalil al-Hayya, a prominent Hamas figure, discussed the group’s stance amidst ongoing talks for a Gaza cease-fire. This proposition marks a notable shift for Hamas, traditionally opposed to Israel’s existence.
However, Israeli leadership remains skeptical. Following recent attacks, Israel has vowed to dismantle Hamas, rejecting the notion of a Palestinian state on territories captured in the 1967 war.
Al-Hayya emphasized Hamas’s desire to integrate into the Palestine Liberation Organization, alongside Fatah, to govern Gaza and the West Bank. He outlined Hamas’s willingness to accept a sovereign Palestinian state within recognized borders and the return of refugees, leading to the dissolution of its military wing.
While Hamas has previously advocated for a single, unified Palestine, Al-Hayya’s statements indicate a potential openness to a two-state solution.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s adviser refrained from commenting directly on Al-Hayya’s remarks, dismissing him as a “high-ranking terrorist.” He reiterated Israel’s determination to neutralize Hamas, citing recent hostilities and casualties in Gaza.
As the region navigates delicate negotiations, the prospect of a lasting peace remains elusive amidst ongoing tensions and conflicting agendas.
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