Major General Mohammed Al-Samadi: Israel violated the agreement and does not want to move to the second phase, and the United States is trying to create an alternative path to extricate it from the crisis.

Hani El Gamal: Israel did not expect the US administration to bypass its strategic partner in the region to reach out to Hamas.

Mohsen Abu Ramadan: Trump seeks to achieve the concept of "Greater America" by raising funds, securing resources, and promoting global investments.

Dr. Ali Al-Awar: Netanyahu cannot sabotage what was reached between Adam Boehler and Khalil Al-Hayya, nor can he obstruct negotiations between the US and Hamas.

Dr. Thaer Abu Ras: Hamas's meeting with the US envoy gives it a certain image of victory, and Israel is angry and not interested in completing the deal.

The contacts being conducted by the US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, with the Hamas leadership, following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repudiation of the agreement/deal signed with the Palestinian resistance and his refusal to enter the second phase of the agreement, bring to mind what happened in the late 1990s, when Ehud Barak's government refused to implement the final requirements of the Oslo Accords. Then-US President Bill Clinton took the initiative and invited both sides to marathon negotiations at Camp David, where what was offered to the Palestinian side was far less than acceptable. The 2000 Intifada subsequently erupted.

Such current American contacts, and what also happened at Camp David, are a return of matters and the subject of negotiations to the principal (the Americans), after the agent (Israel) failed, over the course of fifteen months of a war of extermination, to achieve its goals, including the return of the Israeli prisoners. He was forced to sign a truce agreement with Hamas. However, what happened in the first phase of the scenes of the prisoner handover in Gaza dealt Netanyahu a slap in the face and exposed the falsity of his claims that he had eliminated the resistance and Hamas. These weekly scenes are now haunting him and shaking his popularity in Israeli society. Now, the American administration is intervening explicitly and publicly to save him and negotiate with Hamas, which it has considered a "terrorist movement" for many years.

Writers and analysts who spoke to Al-Quds said that Israel has breached the agreement with Hamas and does not want to move to the second phase. The United States is trying to create an alternative path to extricate Israel from the crisis. Israel did not expect the US administration to bypass it and begin negotiations with Hamas, which is classified as a terrorist organization.

They emphasized that Netanyahu cannot sabotage the agreement reached between Adam Boehler and Khalil al-Hayya, nor can he obstruct the negotiations between the US and Hamas. They also considered Hamas's meeting with the US envoy to give it a certain image of victory, which angered Israel.

Trump seeks to impose peace by force

Jordanian military strategic expert, Major General Mohammed Ali Al-Samadi, said that US President Donald Trump seeks to impose peace by force, aims to portray himself as a man of peace, and aspires to win the Nobel Peace Prize in the future.

He added: "There is harmony between Trump and Netanyahu, but there is also anger and concern about this openness. We have always said that Netanyahu is an unpredictable figure, and now the same applies to Trump."

He pointed out that the Trump administration's talks with Hamas did not change the latter's position on the war. Considering that Trump, since taking office on January 20, has approved $12 billion in arms deals, it is clear that the discussions took place in Doha last week.

He pointed out that the American website "Axios" was the first to reveal these unprecedented talks between Washington and Hamas, which aim to release the American hostages, in addition to discussing a broader agreement to end the war and reach a long-term truce. There is a sense of unease in Israel, but, in my opinion, it will not reach the point of international objection and criticism.

Al-Samadi explained that Israel fears it will be forced to pay a political or security price in exchange for implementing the terms of the agreement. However, the most important point is that these talks represent a shift in Washington's policy. The United States, which has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization since 1997 and repeatedly stated this, is now conducting direct talks with it without intermediaries, granting the movement political legitimacy.

Hamas links Gaza's future to the West Bank and Jerusalem

He pointed out that Israel has violated the agreement and does not want to move to its second phase. He therefore believes that the US administration is trying to create an alternative path to extricate Israel from the crisis by extending the first phase of the release of American prisoner Idan Alexander and four others believed to be among the dead, who held dual US-Israeli citizenship.

Al-Samadi explained that Hamas insists that Gaza's future cannot be shaped in isolation from the West Bank and Jerusalem. However, the lack of Arab political will to impose certain realities regarding the region's future contributes to a state of uncertainty and ambiguity, leading to continued incursions and costs to no avail.

He said that the US President's Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached soon to release all prisoners, not just Americans, within weeks. However, Israel does not want a long-term truce that would allow Hamas to strengthen its capabilities. The US envoy also expressed the fragility of the ceasefire, given Israel's continued imposition of a blockade, closure of crossings, starvation policies, cutting off water and electricity, and its practice of murder, crime, and shooting. Without any restrictions or hesitation, Israel will continue its assassinations of leaders, target any high-value target, and continue its raids based on intelligence information, but only after all prisoners and bodies are recovered.

Israel is able to create pretexts to continue the war.

Al-Samadi asserted that Israel is capable of fabricating justifications and pretexts to continue fighting, but with a different strategy. This strategy could include imposing a complete blockade and launching concentrated and powerful strikes, supported by airstrikes and ground and naval bombardment, in an attempt to increase Palestinian despair and pave the way for future voluntary emigration.

He pointed out that the dilemma facing Israel now is that it has exhausted its military objectives in the Gaza Strip, leaving it with no choice but to commit further acts of ethnic cleansing and genocide. In contrast, the US administration appears prepared to support it, giving it a green light, despite its diplomatic and political statements. Along with many Western countries, it continues to support the Israeli killing machine with more weapons and ammunition.

Al-Samadi emphasized the determination of the far-right government to end any political or military role for Hamas in the West Bank. Optimism does not mean that migration will not occur in the future, as attempts will continue, despite Jordan and Egypt's opposition to displacement attempts. However, there is a political will in the White House, and in the far-right government led by Netanyahu and Smotrich, that 2025 will be the year of annexation, and perhaps also the year of displacement.

Hamas has shown a firm stance in the face of American threats.

For his part, Hani al-Gamal, head of the European and Strategic Studies Unit at the Arab Center, said that Israel had not expected a US administration to take such a step, bypassing its strategic partner in the region, Israel, and moving toward engagement with Hamas.

He emphasized that Hamas had demonstrated a firm stance in the face of US threats, refusing to enter the second phase of the truce until the first phase had been extended, and was able to release several hostages without offering any guarantees that the Israeli military operation would cease.

He said that this hardline stance toward Hamas, along with the role of some Arab figures in the Trump administration, has helped clarify the picture for the new US administration, which has begun to realize that the Palestinian resistance is not the only entity obstructing proposed solutions, but rather that Israel is the party that is being stubborn and trying to impose a false narrative to control the US position.

Al-Jamal added: "These developments have prompted the United States to bypass its strategic partner, Israel, and move toward direct cooperation and negotiations with Hamas, for several reasons. Not only are these political decisions necessary, but also because there are six American hostages being held, including Alexander, who is suffering from a deteriorating medical condition, prompting the US administration to seek his immediate release, along with some other hostages. This move also aims to polish the US administration's image domestically."

Trump will not allow Netanyahu to obstruct his vision.

He pointed out that these moves worry Israel, not only because of the potential deterioration of its relationship with the United States, but also because Trump, in his Middle East plan, will not allow Netanyahu to obstruct his vision, whether economic or aimed at expanding Israel's relations with some Arab countries.

He added: "From this standpoint, Israel is trying to dismantle this new trend and may resort to escalation in the West Bank, through military operations, or attempt to eliminate the Palestinian Authority by intensifying attacks in areas such as Jenin and other cities. It may also exert pressure on the city of Jerusalem and seek to effect demographic changes there, exploiting the current situation."

Al-Jamal explained that Israel may adopt various strategies, including targeting Palestinian resistance leaders, whether from Hamas or other factions, as part of systematic assassinations. The appointment of a new Chief of Staff after Herzi Halevi, known for his hardline and bloody nature, also points to the possibility of a military escalation in Gaza.

Al-Jamal pointed out that the changes in the US position on the Arab-Israeli conflict reflect shifts in US strategy, as there has been a shift in US ideology toward Hamas, despite its designation as a terrorist organization. This shift could lead to a reshaping of the political landscape in the region.

Netanyahu's government is disturbed by contacts with Hamas.

In turn, writer and political analyst Mohsen Abu Ramadan said, "There is a state of unease and discomfort within the Netanyahu government regarding the contacts that took place between the Hamas leadership in Doha and US Presidential Envoy Adam Boehler."

He pointed out that, for Israel, this constitutes a violation of the political foundations related to the Palestinian issue, explaining that Israel considers the Palestinian issue to be an Israeli issue, and that the duty of the United States and Western countries supporting Israel is limited to supporting its orientations. However, Israel does not want direct contact between the Palestinians, with their various factions and parties, and the US administration and Western countries.

He added, "This contact goes beyond Netanyahu's slogan of 'absolute victory' and the dismantling of Hamas, in addition to some references to disarming it and removing its cadres and leadership from the Gaza Strip. Therefore, this constitutes an obstacle to the right-wing, fascist, and racist Netanyahu government's drive to target Hamas."

He pointed out that Israel, along with the International Quartet, classifies Hamas as a terrorist and illegitimate movement. This position was reaffirmed when Hamas assumed power in 2006 after winning the legislative elections. The Quartet then stipulated that Hamas must recognize previous agreements, recognize Israel, and renounce resistance—conditions that were adopted by the previous US administration.

Netanyahu may try to undermine the US administration's efforts.

He explained that the current phase will witness Netanyahu's attempts to undermine the US administration's efforts to reach understandings with Hamas, noting that the issue is not limited to negotiations between Adam Boehler and the Hamas leadership regarding American prisoners or the truce, but extends to addressing the future of the Gaza Strip, which may open the way for American investments on the Gaza coast and its sea, and may also contribute to strengthening relations with Saudi Arabia and pushing it towards normalization, which is not to Netanyahu's liking, as he seeks to achieve the idea of "absolute victory," which includes eliminating Hamas.

Abu Ramadan predicted that Netanyahu would resort to political and diplomatic methods, and perhaps military and field tactics, to thwart these negotiations, in addition to collective punishment measures and inhumane pressures, such as the use of starvation by closing crossings, preventing the entry of aid, and cutting off electricity.

He said that Boehler believes that the coming weeks may witness the complete resolution of the Gaza Strip issue, not just the issue related to prisoners, which would mean reaching a truce, reconstruction, and potential investments, in which the United States could have a significant share.

It should be noted here that the truce may require steps including ending the Hamas threat to the occupying state and a long-term truce lasting between five and ten years.

Trump will try to respond to Saudi demands.

Abu Ramadan pointed out that Trump, who adopts a commercial approach and believes in real estate deals and financial gains over moral principles, will attempt to respond to Saudi and Arab demands, especially given the $1 trillion Saudi Arabia has pledged to pay the US administration. This could push him to reject the idea of displacing Palestinians from Gaza, given the enormous financial returns the United States could generate from potential investments, particularly in the gas sector and the Sahel region.

On the political and diplomatic level, Abu Ramadan said, "Netanyahu sent a delegation to Doha, but it wasn't high-level, but rather technical in nature. It lacked decision-making authority and had to defer to Netanyahu and lower levels to make any decisions. Therefore, this move is only intended to throw dust in the eyes and prevent Israel from being held responsible for obstructing the release of the detainees, especially in light of the escalating Israeli protests and the sit-in by the families of the detained prisoners in front of the Israeli Ministry of Defense."

On the ground, Abu Ramadan added, "Netanyahu may resort, through the new Chief of Staff, Zamir, whom he described as an 'aggressive person,' to trying to drag Hamas into a response through assassinations or targeting specific sites and institutions, with the aim of creating a justification for violating the Doha agreement reached on January 19."

Realizing the concept of "Great America"

Abu Ramadan believed that Netanyahu views the Palestinian issue as an Israeli issue and believes that the United States should provide services to Israel. He dealt with the Biden administration with this mentality, refusing even to respond to humanitarian proposals, such as including aid in the generals' plan in northern Gaza. He also rejected Biden's proposal for a prisoner exchange and truce, despite the approval of all countries except Russia's reservations. Netanyahu rejected it, even though it was originally an Israeli proposal, which dealt a severe blow to the Biden administration, which seemed unable to impose any proposals on him.

He emphasized that Trump seeks to achieve the concept of "Greater America" by raising funds, securing economic resources, and promoting global investments. Therefore, when faced with a choice between Israel and America, he will choose America and his own interests over Netanyahu.

Abu Ramadan also stressed the need for the Palestinian Authority to recognize the importance of the dialogue between Hamas and the United States, which represents a unique and unusual event. This requires expediting the process of putting the Palestinian house in order, in accordance with the Beijing Agreement or any other formula. This is especially true given that the United States itself, which previously designated Hamas as a terrorist organization, is now engaging in dialogue with it, removing any reservations regarding dialogue with Hamas within the context of a comprehensive national framework aimed at putting the Palestinian house in order.

Important development: The US administration is negotiating with Hamas.

For his part, Dr. Ali Al-Awar, a specialist in regional and international conflicts, stated that the United States and Hamas acknowledged the negotiations taking place in Doha. Consequently, negotiations took place between US President Donald Trump's envoy, Adam Boehler, and Hamas Political Bureau member Khalil Al-Hayya in Doha. Both the US administration and Hamas confirmed the negotiations took place.

He added: In my estimation, we must first look at this very important development; Trump is negotiating with Hamas, and the US administration is negotiating with Hamas, and this is a very important development in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and also in the war on Gaza. These negotiations represent American recognition of Hamas's political capabilities and its existence, and that it cannot be ignored. Therefore, the meetings between Adam Boehler, US President Trump's envoy, and Khalil al-Hayya represent American recognition of Hamas's existence and political capabilities. Accordingly, the role of Hamas in the future of Gaza and its governance cannot be ignored.

Israel is dissatisfied and unaware of the negotiations.

Al-Awar emphasized that the most important question is: Was Israel satisfied with these negotiations? And did it know about them? In my estimation, these negotiations were far removed from Netanyahu's office and from Israel. After they were revealed in the media, Netanyahu's office, and Netanyahu himself, realized that negotiations were taking place between the United States and Hamas, which drove him crazy. He never expected negotiations between the Trump administration and Hamas. However, these negotiations continued for several weeks and are still ongoing, and the talk revolves around the release of Israeli prisoners who hold American citizenship and are held by Hamas. Some estimates put their number at ten.

He emphasized that the US administration has begun to fully understand the nature of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the new equations created by the Al-Aqsa Intifada, particularly regarding Hamas and its political and military power. Now, there is talk of a ten-year truce in the Gaza Strip, accompanied by a reconstruction phase and a complete end to the war on Gaza.

He said that Netanyahu sent an Israeli delegation to Doha to participate in the negotiations, or as he described them, "We are not in negotiations with Hamas about the agreement," "about the deal," or "the second phase." The fundamental question is: Did this Israeli delegation go to Doha to sabotage and destroy what was agreed upon between Hamas and Adam Boehler? Or did it actually go to participate in the negotiations and advance them? Or is the real goal to sabotage these negotiations between America and Hamas, and what has been achieved so far?

America's interests in the Middle East cannot be ignored.

Al-Awar explained that Netanyahu is well aware of US President Donald Trump's power and political influence. He has also begun to realize that the United States' political, strategic, security, and economic interests in the Middle East play a major role in shaping the region's map. In other words, American interests in the Middle East cannot be ignored. Netanyahu has begun to comprehend this new relationship, or the philosophy embraced by Trump.

He added: "In my estimation, Netanyahu cannot sabotage what was reached between Adam Boehler and Khalil al-Hayya, nor can he obstruct the negotiations between the US and Hamas, because the US administration has extensive experience in the negotiations that took place in Doha, whether regarding Afghanistan, South Sudan, or other issues in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East."

Steve Witkoff believes that Netanyahu is pressuring him to move to the second stage, which includes an official Israeli declaration of an end to the war on Gaza and the return of all Israeli prisoners to Tel Aviv, in exchange for the release of a large number of Palestinian security prisoners, according to the number agreed upon in the agreement, especially those serving life sentences, including leaders of the prisoner movement, such as Marwan Barghouti, Ahmed Saadat, Abdullah Barghouti, Ibrahim Hamed, and others.

Al-Awar pointed out that Netanyahu is facing enormous public pressure, with demonstrations escalating in Tel Aviv demanding that he proceed with the second phase, end the war on Gaza, and return all Israeli prisoners to Tel Aviv.

Implicit recognition of the existence and survival of Hamas

Dr. Thaer Abu Ras, a lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the University of Maryland-Washington, said that the Israeli government is already angry about the opening of this back channel with Hamas. This amounts to an implicit recognition of Hamas's existence and survival. Given that Netanyahu, in particular, has been seeking an image of victory since the beginning of this war, this development represents a practical shift in the equation.

He added: "Now there's a sort of victory image for Hamas, if they're photographed, for example, meeting with the American envoy, or even just the idea of meeting him. This gives them a certain image of victory. And Israel is certainly angry and not interested in concluding this deal."

He continued, "But she is in an awkward position, because she is dealing with an American president unlike any of his predecessors, a president who cannot be manipulated in this way. We saw what happened to Zelensky a week ago, during his visit to the White House, where he was subjected to humiliating treatment in full view of the world."

Netanyahu wants to avoid the Zelensky scenario.

Abu Ras emphasized that Netanyahu wants to avoid a similar scenario, so he won't discuss the issue. However, Israel will certainly try to derail the agreement, whether through assassinations or by complicating the entry of humanitarian aid. It has already cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip and significantly reduced the amount of humanitarian aid entering the Strip.

He added: "It hopes this will lead to chaos within the Strip, which could force Hamas to respond, perhaps by carrying out assassinations or similar measures. But Israel will certainly seek ways to obstruct the second phase of the deal."

He explained that the reason Israel refused to move to the second phase of the deal was related to Netanyahu's continued rule. He realizes that the extreme right will leave the government if the war in Gaza ends as it is, and he wants to keep them there. The withdrawal of the extreme right, led by Smotrich, from the governing coalition would lead to the fall of Netanyahu's government, which could leave him facing possible imprisonment due to the corruption cases against him.

Abu Ras concluded by saying, "For Netanyahu, the issue is survival, so he seeks to prevent the second phase of the deal and end the war. He will do everything in his power to prevent that."