Israel’s indirect negotiations with Hamas in Doha face persistent obstruction despite Jerusalem’s substantial concessions. The fundamental question emerges regarding Hamas’ true objectives and strategic direction. From October 7 onward, Hamas has demanded complete IDF evacuation from Gaza territories, restoration of its military governance, and security guarantees for its leadership.
Sustained IDF military pressure compelled Hamas toward the negotiating framework, producing agreement to relinquish governmental control. Furthermore, both sides reached preliminary consensus on establishing a security buffer zone spanning 1–1.5 kilometers (0.6–0.9 miles) around Gaza’s perimeter, effectively preventing surprise attacks against Gaza border communities. Though Israel withdrew demands regarding the Morg corridor, multiple issues persist concerning prisoner exchanges and security protocols. While negotiations appeared concluded, Hamas continues generating complications and rejecting final agreement terms.
American diplomatic pressure prompted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu toward meaningful concessions despite fierce resistance from coalition rightist factions. Gaza resolution represents the essential prerequisite for initiating cascading developments toward comprehensive regional transformation, potentially incorporating numerous nations into Abraham Accords frameworks – principally Saudi Arabia. The strategic significance and extraordinary economic potential following such developments requires no elaboration.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei makes a speech to visitors in Tehran on December 22, 2024 (Photo: AFP)
Tehran’s regional calculations
Israel’s military victory in Gaza remains undeniable. IDF operations systematically dismantled Hamas’ command structure alongside weapons infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities. Contemporary Gaza represents a devastated zone demanding reconstruction efforts spanning multiple years. Hamas’s rejection of interim arrangements almost certainly leads toward a comprehensive resolution, which appears strategically irrational unless Iranian influence within Hamas decision-making processes enters the calculation.
Hamas’ chief negotiator in Doha, Khalil al-Hayya, departed Gaza to serve as Yahya Sinwar’s overseas representative and trusted operative. Al-Hayya maintains extensive Iranian connections, including coordination with Sa’id Izadi, Palestine Corps commander within the Quds Force (eliminated June 21), and direct meetings with Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during Tehran visits. Iran, suffering humiliation through IDF’s Operation Rising Lion, seeks to preserve its carefully constructed resistance axis, encompassing rehabilitation efforts for Hamas, Houthis, and Hezbollah – representing continued attempts drawing Israel into attritional warfare.
Blocking Hamas agreements prevents Abraham Accords expansion while distancing Saudi Arabia from developing security and economic partnerships with Israel. Sabotaging arrangements Iran opposed even before the October 7 massacre would deliver significant Iranian strategic gains, simultaneously affecting Operation Rising Lion outcomes and ongoing negotiations between Iran, the US, and European nations regarding nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Internal Hamas dynamics
Khalil al-Hayya currently represents the primary impediment toward Israeli-Hamas agreement. Foreign intelligence reports indicate significant disagreements within Hamas leadership, with various elements favoring Israeli agreements and seeking benefits from Gaza reconstruction initiatives. Israel apparently granted al-Hayya operational immunity, avoiding elimination despite the prime minister’s post-October 7 declaration instructing Mossad to target Hamas senior officials internationally.
Al-Hayya’s extremist approach necessitates Israeli strategic recalculation. We must seriously consider al-Hayya’s elimination, persuading American allies that his removal enables successful agreement completion. Such significant action would simultaneously achieve victory over Iran, isolating Tehran and compelling negotiating table participation – ultimately producing comprehensive regional arrangements.
