Hamas’s Unending Offers for Truces and a Two-State Solution: A Historical Overview
Introduction
Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the rejection of a Hamas proposal for a ceasefire and the release of captives by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has illuminated Hamas’s long-standing attempts to negotiate enduring truces with Israel. This article delves into the timeline of Hamas’s proposals for truces, highlighting the recurring pattern of rejections from Israel and its Western allies.
Historical Context
Since its inception in 1987, Hamas has been a formidable player in the Palestinian resistance movement against Israeli occupation. Shaped by the harsh realities of occupation, Hamas leaders have repeatedly proposed truces and ceasefires in exchange for the realization of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
Timeline of Hamas Truce Proposals
1988
– Just a year after its founding, Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar met with top Israeli officials Yitzhak Rabin and Shimon Peres, proposing an Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories in exchange for a truce.
– Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmad Yasin indicated a willingness to negotiate with Israel, emphasizing the recognition of Palestinian self-determination and the right of return.
1994
– Hamas offered a truce after the abduction and killing of Israeli soldier Nachshon Wachsman, following the Palestinian Authority’s acceptance of a Palestinian state comprised of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem.
1995
– Hamas proposed a 10-year truce based on Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.
1996
– Following the assassination of Hamas military leader Yahya Ayyash by Israel, the movement offered a ceasefire.
1997
– Days before an Israeli assassination attempt on Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal, the movement proposed a 10-year truce.
– After his release from Israeli prison, Hamas founder Yasin renewed the call for a ceasefire.
– Hamas again proposed a truce, with the Qassam Brigades agreeing to cease attacks on Israeli civilians if Israel stopped targeting Palestinian civilians.
1999
– Yasin made another ceasefire offer contingent on Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories.
– Hamas, in a letter to European diplomats, offered to cease hostilities in exchange for Israeli withdrawal, settlement evacuation, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
2003
– Yasin offered a ceasefire on the condition of Israeli withdrawal from Palestinian territories, only to be killed four months later in an Israeli attack.
2004
– Yasin’s successor, Abdel Aziz al-Rantisi, proposed a 10-year truce, but was killed by Israel a month after Yasin.
2006
– Hamas offered a 10-year truce, renewable upon Israel’s commitment to restoring Palestinian rights and a final solution accepted by the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
2007
– Senior Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh reiterated the group’s call for a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
2008
– Hamas leader Meshaal offered a 10-year truce, repeated a year later.
2014
– Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad proposed a 10-year truce in exchange for lifting the Israeli blockade and releasing Palestinian prisoners.
2015
– Hamas proposed a long-term ceasefire in exchange for lifting the blockade.
2017
– Hamas revised its 1988 charter, accepting a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
Israeli Rejections and Western Dismissals
Despite Hamas’s consistent offers for truces and its willingness to recognize a two-state solution, Israel has repeatedly rejected these proposals. Western allies, including the United States, have largely dismissed Hamas’s efforts, despite claiming to be “honest brokers” in the conflict.
Hamas’s Perspective
Tareq Baconi, author of “Hamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance,” highlights Hamas’s stance that a truce and cessation of attacks on civilians are contingent on the Israeli occupation removing its settlers from Palestinian territories.
Analysts’ Perspectives
Sari Orabi, a Ramallah-based analyst, emphasizes that the issue goes beyond Gaza and involves daily killings, assaults, and attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque in the occupied West Bank. He blames Israel for the failure of the Oslo Accords and the lack of progress towards a Palestinian state.
Baconi argues that Hamas’s offers were intended to hold a mirror up to Israel, challenging it to end the occupation and allow Palestinians to live in peace in their own territories.
Conclusion
The history of Hamas’s truce proposals reveals a consistent pattern of rejections by Israel and its Western allies. Hamas’s willingness to negotiate and its acceptance of a two-state solution stand in stark contrast to Israel’s insistence on maintaining its occupation and settlements. The international community must recognize the significance of Hamas’s efforts and pressure Israel to engage in meaningful negotiations towards a just and lasting peace.