Despite Netanyahu’s vow that “there will not be a Hamastan,” reports of growing Israeli flexibility and a 60-day ceasefire plan—backed by the U.S. and key Arab states—raise concerns that Hamas may survive to attack another day. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and most of the Israeli public demand its total eradication. Hostage families release a Hamas propaganda video of two hostages who claim they are “dead men walking.”

As the war in Gaza enters its tenth month, Israel stands at a strategic crossroads. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to insist that Hamas must be utterly destroyed—militarily and politically—before any ceasefire can be finalized. “There will not be a Hamas,” he declared. “There will not be a ‘Hamastan’ there. We’re not going back to that. It’s over.”

But behind closed doors, Israel may be preparing to accept a deal that contradicts those words. This week, details emerged of a 60-day ceasefire proposal that includes a phased release of hostages, gradual IDF withdrawal from various areas of Gaza, and internationally guaranteed negotiations on Gaza’s future. The plan is structured with a precise timeline: on Day 1, eight living hostages are to be released, followed by a series of releases involving both bodies and survivors, culminating in further releases on Days 30, 50, and 60.

Simultaneously, humanitarian aid would flow into Gaza under the supervision of the UN and Red Crescent. With each release phase, IDF forces would retreat further—from northern to southern Gaza—while Hamas is expected to provide information about the condition of the remaining hostages and Israel would reciprocate with data on detainees arrested since October 7.

Critically, the agreement proposes a diplomatic track to begin immediately, tackling four sensitive topics: the continued release of hostages, long-term security arrangements, post-Hamas governance, and a permanent ceasefire. These negotiations would unfold with international guarantees from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, with personal oversight from the U.S. President’s envoy.

Though framed as a pathway to stability, the proposal is seen by many as a serious compromise of Israel’s original war goals. While the agreement does not formally recognize Hamas’s right to govern, it does not demand the group’s immediate surrender either. It suggests a phased transition that might allow remnants of Hamas’s political or logistical infrastructure to persist—potentially through proxies or under a “restructured” Palestinian administration.

This ambiguity has triggered alarm not only inside Israel’s security cabinet but across the region. Saudi Arabia, which has conditioned normalization with Israel on the full elimination of Hamas, has privately demanded that the terror group be dismantled completely. Riyadh views Hamas not only as a threat to Israeli civilians, but as a destabilizing force aligned with Iran’s regional ambitions. For Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states seeking a post-war framework for Gaza, any deal that leaves Hamas standing—even partially—would be a betrayal of the war’s stated purpose.

Within Israel, public opinion remains firmly against leaving Hamas intact. Following the October 7 massacre of 1,200 civilians and the kidnapping of over 250 hostages, most Israelis view the complete dismantling of Hamas as a moral and strategic imperative. While families of hostages and some political factions call for compromise to bring loved ones home, others fear that any ceasefire allowing Hamas to regroup will repeat the mistakes of past conflicts.

At the same time, reports indicate that senior Hamas figures in Doha are feeling increased pressure. One top negotiator was recently ordered to surrender his personal weapons amid speculation that his personal safety was at risk. This may be contributing to greater flexibility in Hamas’s internal discussions, including a willingness—albeit cautious—to consider a framework that omits some of the group’s earlier non-negotiable demands.

Nonetheless, Hamas continues to insist on terms that challenge Israeli sovereignty and regional peace: a full Israeli withdrawal, a permanent ceasefire, and the right to participate in Gaza’s future governance. These demands clash directly with the goals outlined by Israel’s leadership and by regional partners who understand that leaving Hamas in place only postpones the next war.

“We’re Dead Men Walking”: Hostage Video Released

Meanwhile as part of the pressure campaign, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a harrowing 44-second video featuring Israeli hostages Maxim Herkin and Bar Kuperstein. The footage, originally part of a Hamas propaganda video from April, had not been shown in Israeli media until now, as the families had previously requested it remain unpublished. In the clip, Herkin, with a bandaged hand, states, “We’re dead men walking,” and adds, “We don’t feel like human beings.” Kuperstein, appearing beside him, utters a single, desperate plea: “Please!”

The release of this video comes amid ongoing negotiations for a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage release deal. The proposed framework includes a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in five separate exchanges. As part of the agreement, Hamas has reportedly agreed not to hold public ceremonies during the handovers.

The families of Herkin and Kuperstein authorized the publication of this footage to amplify their call for a comprehensive agreement that ensures the return of all hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum emphasized the moral imperative of such an agreement, stating: “The families demand a comprehensive agreement that will ensure the return of every last hostage. This is the correct and moral thing to do, one which doesn’t require separating the kindred and the immoral choice of one hostage over another.”

Herkin, 35, and Kuperstein, 22, were abducted by Hamas terrorists from the Supernova music festival near Kibbutz Re’im on October 7, 2023. Their families’ decision to release the video underscores the urgency and desperation felt by those awaiting the return of their loved ones. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum plans to hold a demonstration outside the U.S. embassy branch in Tel Aviv, urging for decisive action to secure a comprehensive ceasefire and the safe return of all hostages.

The days ahead will test the durability of Israel’s resolve. Netanyahu faces competing pressures: a U.S. administration eager for a diplomatic breakthrough, an impatient public demanding total victory, and strategic partners like Saudi Arabia who insist that Hamas must be erased. The question is no longer whether Israel can defeat Hamas militarily—it already has eliminated most of its brigades—but whether its leaders will follow through politically, or succumb to the illusions of a negotiated compromise.

Israel declared from day one that it would not allow Hamas to survive this war. Now, with a fragile ceasefire deal on the table and whispers of compromise rising, the real test begins. Will Israel cave—or will it finish what Hamas started?