Hamas is acting as if Israel is no longer what it used to be Sadly.... true
Hamas feels it has support internationally and also in various places such as among human rights NGOs that do not condemn its treatment of the hostages
Hamas wants the ceasefire to continue into phase two, which is supposed to be discussed as the first phase comes to an end in the coming weeks 1. Hamas has gotten used to the ceasefire. 2. Its men are enjoying the sunlight in Gaza and parading in uniforms as they are used to, rather than hiding in hospitals 3. Hamas now feels secure again 4. It feels like it weathered the storm of war
Hamas’s policy is clear because it is saying in its own words that it wants to move to phase two It wants the ceasefire to continue and so do its backers abroad in Doha, Tehran and Ankara
For instance, IRNA media in Iran said on February 18
Quote
“Hamas has said that it will release six living Israeli prisoners this week under the Gaza ceasefire and is ready to begin the second phase of negotiations with the Zionist regime”
Also, according to the report,
Quote
“Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, has said the Palestinian resistance group is ready to begin the second phase of ceasefire negotiations with the Israeli regime”
The report went on to note,
Quote
“Hamas would release all six living Israeli prisoners under the first phase of the ceasefire this week, along with the bodies of four dead prisoners”
