Hamas Adopts Delay Strategy Against Netanyahu, Rejects Qatar-Turkey Tactical Concessions

A leaked internal Hamas document revealed on Saturday outlines the group's strategic decision to delay negotiations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reject a Qatar-Turkey proposal for tactical concessions. The Hamas leadership recently discussed the document, which addresses ongoing talks mediated by third parties concerning Hamas's disarmament and its connection to Israeli elections.

According to the document, Hamas believes Netanyahu is determined to run in the upcoming elections and views any significant withdrawal or concession in Gaza as political suicide that would topple his coalition. Consequently, Netanyahu is deliberately employing a strategy of delay and stalling as part of his election campaign.

The document also exposes a Qatar-Turkey plan aimed at embarrassing Israel diplomatically. Qatar and Turkey pressured Hamas to show flexibility by making tactical concessions, including on sensitive issues like the group's weapons. Their goal was to create a diplomatic trap, anticipating Netanyahu would reject any concessions due to electoral considerations, thereby shifting blame for hardened positions onto Hamas and embarrassing Israel and the United States internationally.

After thorough discussions, Hamas leadership decided to reject the Qatar-Turkey proposal, fearing that any temporary concession now would become a precedent for further future pressures. Instead, Hamas chose a "counter-maneuver" strategy, mirroring Netanyahu's approach by deliberately delaying and stalling until the end of 2026. This tactic aims to wait for the Israeli election results and see who will lead the next government.

Separately, Egypt has reportedly offered to take custody of Hamas's weapons, recruiting members of the Nukhba militant group. Hamas is also reportedly preparing for renewed conflict with Israel.