Hamas has no dignified way out of impending cease-fire deal, and Sinwar must choose between 2 options — both bad for him; Israel can live with terms of deal, but ironically interests of Israel and Hamas coincide where regional war concerned
Brigadier General (res.) Amir Avivi | August 24, 2024
Hamas leader Yahyah Sinwar ( Photo: AP, IDF Spokesperson’s Unit)
One common motif in folk tales is the story of the villain who is caught in his own trap. Who among us isn’t pleased to hear that scarcely a single step separates Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, from the pit that he himself has dug?
For the sake of understanding the specific story ahead of us and the alignment of forces on the Mideast chessboard, the newness of the current situation must first be appreciated. The difference before our eyes is that Israeli and US are in agreement regarding all that concerns the ceasefire deal. Thus, essentially for the first time, the two countries are on the same side regarding everything about the nature of the deal. The present deal was first formulated last weekend in negotiations that bridged the gaps between the American and Israeli positions, and the countries agreed on a document that was delivered to Hamas. Now the ball has been passed to Hamas.
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