Israel Held Direct Talks With Hamas Before Oct. 7 for Hostage Returns

Israel engaged in direct negotiations with Hamas in the years leading up to the October 7th attacks, aiming to secure the release of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, and the return of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin. These discussions involved senior Shin Bet officials and a senior Hamas figure, Raazi Hamed, and were known to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to sources familiar with the matter, these talks continued into 2023, reaching advanced stages for an agreement concerning Mengistu, al-Sayed, Shaul, and Goldin. The potential deal included the exchange of a list of terrorists to be released. Prime Minister Netanyahu was reportedly involved in shaping this potential agreement, though his office declined to comment.

Further details revealed that Raazi Hamed also held direct phone conversations with former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar during the October 7th war, focusing on hostage release negotiations. Sources indicated that senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya and Prime Minister Netanyahu had both approved this clandestine channel. While several calls took place, the ultimate hostage deal was reportedly achieved through the mediation of third-party countries.

The article also notes that the secret channel between Israel and Hamas intensified following the killing of six hostages in Gaza, referencing ongoing concerns about explosive kites and the outcry from families of October 7th victims who feel a "conception is returning."