In a significant development, a top Hamas political official, Khalil al-Hayya, stated in an interview with The Associated Press that Hamas is willing to agree to a truce of five years or more with Israel. Al-Hayya mentioned that Hamas would lay down its weapons and transform into a political party if an independent Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders.
While this appears to be a significant concession by Hamas, it’s uncertain if Israel would consider such a scenario. Al-Hayya’s remarks come amidst a stalemate in cease-fire talks and escalating violence in the region. Despite this apparent willingness to disarm, Israel’s hard-line government rejects the two-state solution, which is supported by the international community.