Hamas is reportedly seeking a new leader to helm its war of annihilation against Israel following the death of October 7 mastermind Yahya Sinwar.

According to the Lebanon-based Al-Akhbar newspaper, Hamas is grappling with significant internal challenges while simultaneously engaging in complex negotiations for a potential prisoner exchange and ceasefire deal with Israel.

A major point of contention in these negotiations is Israel’s firm opposition to releasing Marwan Barghouti. Born near Ramallah in 1959, Barghouti rose to prominence during the first intifada in the late 1980s. Initially a supporter of the peace process following his return to Judea and Samaria under the Oslo Accords, he turned to terror after the collapse of the Camp David Summit in 2000.

As the leader of Fatah in Judea and Samaria, Barghouti was arrested in 2002 and subsequently convicted on five counts of murder during the second Intifada, receiving five life sentences plus 40 years for attempted murder and conspiracy. Despite his imprisonment, he has maintained significant political influence, including mediating between Hamas and Fatah in 2007 and being elected to Fatah’s leadership in 2009 while in prison.

Intelligence sources indicate that Hamas’s insistence on Barghouti’s release may be strategically motivated by the terror group’s recognition that it cannot maintain direct control over Gaza after the war. In addition to Barghouti, Hamas wants a minimum of 100 dangerous Arab prisoners released, including some serving life sentences.

Sources familiar with the current negotiations indicate that a proposed agreement framework would establish a 6-8 week ceasefire, potentially beginning with a two-week pause that could be extended for an additional month. Hamas would release at least 20 Israeli hostages, including four or five dual citizens, with priority given to American nationals. Israel would also gradually increase humanitarian aid into Gaza to at least 400 trucks, incorporating fuel supplies for essential services such as hospitals, bakeries, and water facilities.

During the temporary ceasefire, further negotiations would address the release of Israeli military personnel hostages and the return of deceased captives’ remains, in exchange for more Arab prisoners, including those detained following the October 7 massacre.”