Hamas: We are willing to hand over control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority - with these conditions

Hamas has indicated willingness to transfer control of the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian Authority, but with conditions that include securing positions or pensions for its members, Sky News Arabic reported early today (Monday).

According to the report, Hamas presented two options for its personnel under potential PA rule: integration into the new administrative framework or guaranteed pensions for those not absorbed into the new governance structure.

The offer comes as Egyptian mediators have been applying significant pressure on the Hamas delegation in Cairo, amid parallel developments in hostage release negotiations and intensified U.S. diplomatic efforts.

The timing coincides with President Trump's recent involvement in the hostage talks. Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump addressed why his Saturday deadline to Hamas passed without enforcement, saying his ultimatum had already achieved its purpose in preventing Hamas from halting the hostage deal.

"My threat alone caused Hamas to reconsider what they said about stopping the deal," Trump said, adding that he had given Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu operational discretion while maintaining that "all hostages must return now."

Israeli negotiators are now preparing to travel to Cairo following American pressure. Netanyahu's office confirmed the delegation's planned departure in a statement, noting it was coordinated with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to "discuss the continued implementation of Phase 1 of the deal."

Netanyahu's agreement to send negotiators marks a significant shift from his position 24 hours earlier, when he had firmly rejected similar proposals during a security consultation. The change came after direct intervention from Witkoff, with the U.S. Secretary of State explicitly telling Netanyahu that "not negotiating is not an option."

Israeli sources also revealed ongoing discussions about a potential summit in Qatar focusing on the second phase of the hostage agreement. The scope of these talks will depend on the mandate given to negotiators following Monday's cabinet meeting, according to Israeli officials speaking to Kan News.

The Israeli delegation's specific mandate for future negotiations will be determined after Monday's cabinet meeting, which will address both the current agreement's implementation and parameters for a second phase of hostage releases.

Trump indicated ongoing U.S. involvement in the process, stating that while Israel and Netanyahu would decide next steps, it would be "in consultation with me."

Does Hamas' latest 'generous' offer of handing the reigns over to Gaza Strip mean that Hamas folding?

Hamas's latest diplomatic maneuver perfectly illustrates the terror organization's mastery of strategic deception. While appearing to offer concessions, Hamas is actually seeking to preserve its power structure while extracting international legitimacy and financial guarantees.

The timing is no coincidence. By floating this suggestion now, Hamas hopes to position itself as a reasonable actor while actually seeking to institutionalize its control over Gaza's administrative apparatus.

What Hamas is really offering is a scheme to legitimize its personnel through PA infrastructure while maintaining its military capabilities. We've seen this playbook before in Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates both within and alongside state institutions while maintaining its independent terrorist army.

Also troubling is the US State Department's position that "not negotiating is not an option" - effectively removing Israel's leverage while Hamas continues to hold Israeli hostages

The international community's eagerness to embrace Hamas's superficial flexibility while pressuring Israel to make concrete concessions follows a familiar pattern. Hamas knows that by making vague offers about future arrangements, it can maintain its core terrorist infrastructure while gaining international legitimacy and financial support.

As discussions about a potential Qatar summit for phase two of the hostage agreement continue, Israel faces a critical decision point. Monday's cabinet meeting will determine the negotiating team's mandate. The key question isn't just about hostage releases - it's about whether Israel will allow Hamas to transform itself from a terrorist organization into a legitimized administrative entity while maintaining its capacity for endless violence.