Sources in Hamas said that the Palestinian movement has temporarily frozen ceasefire talks in the Gaza Strip.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, the sources said that a decision was taken to suspend contacts until “choosing a successor to the head of the politburo, Ismail Haniyeh,” who was assassinated by Israel in Tehran on Wednesday.
The issue of Haniyeh’s successor is expected to be resolved within the next few days, the sources said.
According to the internal regulations of the Hamas movement, the deputy head of the political bureau replaces the president in the event of his absence, and if this is not possible, the head of the Shura Council becomes the caretaker until elections are held.
But the situation today is complicated, as Israel has assassinated, in separate operations, each of Haniyeh, his deputy, Saleh Al-Arouri, and the head of the Shura Council, Osama Al-Muzaini.
“In light of the current complex situation, the issue may be resolved within the framework of the Political Bureau,” the sources noted, suggesting that Khaled Meshaal, in his capacity as head of the movement abroad, could be chosen as head of the office or at least as director of its operation.
They added that Meshaal’s selection seems to be the most likely in light of the inability of the movement's head in Gaza, Yehya Sinwar, to assume any responsibilities at the present time.
An informed source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the appointment of a new politburo chief will lead to the immediate resumption of ceasefire negotiations, stressing that Hamas wanted to reach an agreement that will stop the war and bloodshed in Gaza.
The source confirmed that Haniyeh’s assassination “cast a shadow on the course of the talks, but will not disrupt them forever, because the movement does not deal with reactions, but rather with an open political mind and has a duty now to stop the war.”
Meanwhile, Israel dispatched to Cairo on Saturday a high-level delegation that included Mossad Director David Barnea and Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar to hold talks with head of Egyptian Intelligence Abbas Kamel over the hostage agreement and ceasefire in Gaza.
They will also discuss security arrangements along the border between Egypt and Gaza and the reopening of the Rafah crossing.
Israeli media confirmed that the delegation was sent after intense American pressure on Israel in recent days to continue negotiations and reach an agreement.
