The Palestinian Hamas movement has expressed its readiness to conclude an agreement that would provide for a temporary presence of Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip after the end of hostilities, Haaretz newspaper reported, citing senior representatives of the Palestinian Authority.

According to sources, Hamas agrees to the temporary deployment of Israeli troops in the Philadelphi Corridor and the Netzarim axis as part of the hostage deal. However, the movement's leadership insists on a clear timetable for a complete cessation of hostilities and the final withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip after the deal is completed.

This information was conveyed during the latest negotiations with mediators from Egypt and Qatar. Palestinian sources close to the Hamas leadership in Qatar note that there is a conviction within the organization that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not seeking a speedy end to the conflict and a complete withdrawal of troops from Gaza. In their opinion, Netanyahu is interested in continuing military action at least until the presidential elections in the United States.

Earlier, on November 22, 2023, the Israeli government approved an agreement with Hamas to release 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for a four-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. During this time, humanitarian aid and fuel were to be delivered to the enclave. The agreement provided for the possibility of extending the ceasefire: for every 10 hostages released, another day of ceasefire would be added.

However, after the end of the truce, hostilities resumed. Israel continued its military operation in Gaza, declaring its intention to destroy Hamas infrastructure and free all remaining hostages. In turn, Hamas continued to fire rockets into Israeli territory.

Hamas's current willingness to compromise may indicate the movement's desire to de-escalate the conflict and seek diplomatic solutions. However, the success of such initiatives largely depends on the position of the Israeli leadership and international mediators.