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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/2025/06/01/hamas-has-demands-but-few-cards-to-play/
Hamas Has Demands, but Few Cards to Play
(Israel Hayom) Danny Zaken - U.S. officials are increasingly frustrated by Hamas's partial responses to the U.S. ceasefire proposal, which attempt to portray acceptance of U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff's proposals while actually rejecting key clauses and insisting on changes. The latest U.S. proposal dropped several contentious demands seen in earlier drafts. It did not specify withdrawal timelines, did not call for dismantling humanitarian distribution centers, and made no commitment to ending the war. This suggests that Washington senses Hamas's weakening grip. Hamas faces a crumbling hierarchy, loss of control over Gazans, a surprisingly efficient aid supply network in Gaza, and steady IDF advances with minimal casualties. Washington believes that Hamas, cornered and weakened, is in no position to make sweeping demands. Israel's swift acceptance of the updated Witkoff framework helps secure continued American support for the military campaign and diplomatic cover at the international level.