Hamas, Sinwar at first, don't want to release hostages.
A confidential Hamas document, revealed by the German newspaper Bild, outlines the terrorist organization's negotiation strategy with Israel. Signed by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the document, dated spring 2024, lays out the guiding principles for ceasefire talks.
Hamas' strategy is based on several key points. First, the organization plans to maintain psychological pressure on the hostages' families in order to increase public pressure on the Israeli government. It also aims to exhaust Israeli political and military mechanisms and intensify international pressure on Israel.
Hamas also seeks to preserve and rebuild its military capabilities, even if this means prolonging the negotiations. In the media, the organization aims to shift the blame for the failure of the negotiations onto Israel, presenting itself as cooperative.
Finally, Hamas wants Arab forces to be positioned along the borders with Israel to protect and reorganize itself after the war. It is notable that
the document does not mention the suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza,
nor the thousands of Palestinian victims. In addition, there is no reference to the Philadelphia axis, which is central to recent negotiations.
Hamas is not seeking a quick end to the conflict, preferring to improve the terms of the deal, even if it prolongs the war. The revelation offers a rare glimpse into Hamas' internal strategy, shedding light on its priorities and tactics in the current negotiations.
A document found on Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s computer revealed the Iran-backed terrorist organization’s strategy to intentionally abuse hostages as psychological warfare against...
www.fdd.org
IDF refutes Bild claim that document on Hamas pressure tactics was written by Sinwar, while material cited by UK Jewish paper on ostensible Sinwar escape plan not known to IDF
www.timesofisrael.com