"The historical events and their magnitude following Israel’s ceasefire with Hamas are not a result of one single factor. Clearly, the courage and sacrifice of the Israel Defense Forces throughout the war these past two years, especially during the operation to conquer Gaza City, created immense pressure within Hamas in Gaza to agree to a halt in fighting.
Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the commander of Hamas’s military wing who previously thwarted the last deal and dictated an uncompromising line to Palestinian politician Khalil al-Hayya in Qatar, was forced to acknowledge the firm grasp around him and the need to show some flexibility. The Israeli attack on Sept. 9 targeting Hamas leaders in Doha failed operationally, though appears to have shaken their confidence not only towards Israel but also toward their hosts."
*The opinions expressed in MDC publications are the authors’ alone.