David Hirst: What went behind the scenes at the truce deal accepted by Hamas

British prominent journalist David Hirst highlighted the Hamas’ agreement to mediators’ proposal for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.

Hirst based his report on sources close to negotiations in Cairo and Doha.

Hamas delegation was in Cairo to discuss a preliminary paper submitted by the Egyptian and Qatari mediators, but Hamas submitted observations on it, and the Israelis did the same, which led to the failure of the initial agreement.

After that, Hamas decided to withdraw its delegation, but while the delegation was at the airport, Egypt submitted a new proposal that prompted Hamas to agree to discuss it.

Meanwhile, Hamas announced that it would hold a meeting in the Qatari capital Doha on Monday to consider the mediators’ offer.

The head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Bill Burns, was present in Cairo and then accompanied the Hamas delegation to Doha, after deciding to postpone its travel to Israel, pending Hamas’s response.

Egypt made minor amendments to the proposal, and Hirst reviewed both versions, noting that the amendments weren’t large enough to block the agreement.

According to Hearst, there was some concern in Israel about the US role in supporting the deal, especially with Burns in Cairo and Doha.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his unwillingness to halt operations in Rafah, regardless of the prisoner exchange agreement.

The recent moves have raised many questions about the role of the United States in supporting or drafting the agreement.

Amid divisions within the administration, there appeared to be a divergence in positions between the various US agencies.

Hearst made clear that Hamas doesn’t see this discrepancy as its problem, as it has shown a willingness to continue fighting if the deal fails.

Hamas has said it has made concessions in order to reach an agreement, but if it doesn’t lead to a ceasefire, it will continue to resist.

The Israeli government has not publicly responded to Hamas’s action with great confidence, despite continuing its operations at Rafah and the Kerem Salem crossing.

These were some of the behinds and details revealed by David Hirst about the complex negotiations and the role of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in trying to achieve an agreement between Hamas and Israel.