Suhail al-Handi—a senior member of the group’s political bureau—has offered to release all remaining Israeli hostages under a striking set of conditions: an end to the war, the reopening of Gaza’s crossings, and the reconstruction of the Strip. Simultaneously, al-Handi firmly rejected Israeli and U.S. demands for Hamas’ disarmament and the expulsion of its leadership from Gaza.
“We are ready to release all the hostages on the condition that the war ends, the crossings are opened, and the Strip is rebuilt. We reject Netanyahu and Trump’s conditions regarding our disarmament and the expulsion of senior Hamas figures from the Gaza Strip.”
—Suhail al-Handi, Hamas Political Bureau Member
This statement is more than a political gambit—it is a signal of desperation. For months, Hamas has relied on hostages as its most potent leverage, using them as human shields and bargaining chips in cruel and exploitative negotiations. Now, facing relentless Israeli military pressure, the terror organization is beginning to shift its stance, offering what was once unthinkable: total hostage release.
Hamas Is Cracking Under Pressure
Al-Handi’s words arrive in the context of Operation Might and Sword, Israel’s most recent and devastating military campaign targeting Hamas leadership, infrastructure, and terror operatives. In just the first wave, over 400 terrorists were eliminated, including senior figures like Mahmoud Abu Watfa and Bahjat Abu Sultan. The IDF’s operations have exposed Hamas’ vulnerability, forcing the group into a corner.
Moreover, Hamas’ repeated violations of ceasefire agreements—such as refusing to release agreed-upon hostages, staging propaganda events with bodies of murdered civilians, and launching rockets during truces—have stripped it of credibility. Now, with its leverage slipping away and its terror network crumbling, Hamas is attempting to salvage its position by offering a desperate deal.
Rejecting Disarmament: Hamas Still Clings to Terror
Despite this apparent concession, Hamas remains defiant on key issues. Its rejection of disarmament and the continued presence of its leadership in Gaza reveals the group’s true priorities: survival of its terror infrastructure at all costs. Al-Handi’s statement underscores Hamas’ intention to remain armed and entrenched—even as it begs for reconstruction aid and international legitimacy.
This is precisely why Israel, backed by the Trump administration’s firm stance and military support, has insisted that any resolution to the conflict must include Hamas’ total dismantlement. Without this, the threat of another October 7-style massacre remains dangerously real.
The Hostage Crisis: A Moral Failure of the World
Israel has made unimaginable sacrifices to rescue its citizens from Hamas captivity, including the release of over 1,900 convicted terrorists. And yet, the world continues to pressure Israel to accept Hamas’ terms—rather than demand the unconditional return of innocent civilians still held in Gaza’s underground hellholes.
Al-Handi’s statement proves what Israel has long known: sustained military pressure is the only language Hamas understands. The IDF’s actions are forcing Hamas to offer concessions not out of goodwill—but out of sheer necessity.
Conclusion: The Terrorist Mask Is Slipping
The cracks are showing. Hamas is weakening. Israel’s determination is working. The path forward is clear: no reconstruction, no ceasefire, and no legitimacy for Hamas until all hostages are freed and the terror group is disarmed and dismantled. Anything less is surrender.
Contributed by @inside_IL_intel
