The Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported on Friday that Yahya Sinwar, the leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in Gaza, has an "organized plan" to bring an end to the ongoing war on the sector since October 7 of the previous year.
According to the Authority, citing an unnamed informed source, the plan "includes the withdrawal of Israeli military forces as part of a long-term ceasefire agreement, and retaining a portion of Israeli prisoners as a bargaining chip for the future."
The source claimed that "Sinwar is operating under the assumption that the initial truce didn't yield satisfactory results for Hamas, hence he insists on an Israeli withdrawal from the occupied neighborhoods in Gaza and a substantial ceasefire."
The plan presented by Sinwar, as per the source, entails "demands far exceeding what Israel is offering to Hamas."
"Sinwar believes that the withdrawal of Israeli ground forces from the cities in the northern and southern Gaza Strip would achieve a partial restoration of his ability to command and control the areas currently occupied by Israel," the source added.
The Israelis, as per the source, interpret realities inversely, whereas "Sinwar is not detached from reality."
Regarding the Israeli captives held by Hamas, the source mentioned that "the movement intends to keep a significant portion of the prisoners as a bargaining chip in forthcoming phases as well, in anticipation of possible resumption of ground maneuvers by Israel after another potential ceasefire."
The source also noted that countries mediating the negotiations with Hamas believe the war is "approaching its final stages," yet the movement is "also preparing for the possibility of the war continuing for a longer period."
Recent reports in official and private Israeli media outlets have discussed a potential ceasefire agreement that could soon be reached between Hamas and Israel. This agreement includes the exchange of prisoners from both sides under the auspices of Egypt and Qatar.
Enhancing the Offer
Israeli officials stated on Thursday that Tel Aviv "is considering improving the offer made to Hamas regarding a potential temporary truce, to encompass a ceasefire lasting for more than two weeks, in order to persuade them to release more of the hostages in their captivity," according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority.
These reports come at a time when Hamas is emphasizing its rejection of any prisoner exchange negotiations without a complete ceasefire, while the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that the war on Gaza "will not stop before achieving its goals."
