Hamas' positive response to the Witkoff framework, delivered late Friday night, included only tactical reservations, allowing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to greenlight the departure of the Israeli delegation for negotiations in Qatar.
Hamas was forced to show flexibility primarily due to military pressure, ongoing airstrikes, the killing of more and more commanders across its ranks, and its loss of control over the population in Gaza. The damage sustained by Iran further intensified Hamas' sense of urgency to reach a ceasefire, as reflected in messages exchanged among the group's leadership.
A senior Israeli official told Israel Hayom that despite Hamas' reservations, the terrorist organization's current situation does not allow it to negotiate as it did in the past. As a result, the disagreements are expected to be resolved in the coming days, "even during Netanyahu's visit to Washington." A US official echoed the assessment but cautioned that insistence on relatively minor clauses could derail the agreement at the last moment.
In the negotiations set to begin between the delegations, mediated by Egypt and Qatar and closely coordinated with the US team, two main issues will be on the table. The first is the scope of the Israel Defense Forces' withdrawal, or "repositioning," as it is referred to in Israel. Hamas is demanding a pullback to the lines of early March, before fighting resumed under Operation Iron Swords. In effect, the group seeks to regain control over large areas, particularly in southern Gaza - Rafah and most of Khan Younis - as well as in the north, including Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun and Shujaiyya.
Alongside its aim to regain military control, Hamas also seeks to dominate the areas where the GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) aid distribution centers operate. These distribution efforts have significantly undermined Hamas' grip on the population, particularly after the group attacked Palestinian aid workers, killed civilians attempting to collect food, and injured two American workers. Hamas' loss of control over these zones has hampered its ability to steal supplies, pay its fighters, and recruit new members. Armed clans have begun asserting themselves, clashing with Hamas operatives over the incoming aid. Regaining control over these areas would allow Hamas to eliminate such rival groups.
Israel, for its part, has drawn a clear red line in the south: the Morag axis between Khan Younis and Rafah. This reflects its intention to maintain control over the southern strip and the aid distribution centers. One potential goal is to establish a humanitarian safe zone for refugees outside of Hamas' reach. Strategically, Israel also aims to retain dominant positions in the south to prevent booby-trapping of buildings should the IDF need to reenter Gaza's suburbs.
The second key issue is the volume and method of humanitarian aid deliveries. Hamas demands large daily shipments and seeks control over their distribution, as previously noted. Israel insists on a different mechanism that would prevent Hamas from seizing the aid, including international oversight.
Hamas also raised a third point with American officials - guarantees for maintaining the ceasefire - but no significant changes are expected here. US President Donald Trump has already emphasized the importance of ending the war.
