Lebanon’s Shiite Duo Drops Israeli Withdrawal Demand in Ceasefire Talks

Lebanon's Shiite duo has reportedly dropped its demand for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza as part of ongoing ceasefire negotiations. This development comes amidst Israel's intensified campaign against Hamas leaders and its extensive tunnel network, which has led to a series of targeted assassinations and significant destruction of underground infrastructure.

Israel's pursuit of Hamas leaders and its military wing, the Qassam Brigades, has accelerated in recent weeks. The campaign peaked with the killing of Qassam commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad on May 15, followed by the assassination of his successor, Mohammad Odeh, less than two weeks later. Prominent commanders, including Imad Islim, have also been targeted, with some surviving attacks. The rapid pace of these killings has prompted internal questions within Hamas regarding Israel's increased operational effectiveness.

Sources suggest that Israel's enhanced intelligence operations within Gaza and its aggressive assault on Hamas tunnels, leading to their destruction, are key factors behind the faster pace of assassinations. Hamas field sources indicated that specialists are investigating each assassination to identify security breaches. The intensified campaign against tunnels, described as "very large numbers" destroyed through ground operations and airstrikes, has forced Hamas to re-evaluate its reliance on this infrastructure.

In response to the severe strikes on tunnels, particularly those housing operatives and Israeli hostages, Hamas leadership decided to move them above ground. This strategic shift aims to preserve the lives of commanders, operatives, and abductees, with the ultimate goal of exchanging them for Palestinian prisoners. The decision to cease relying heavily on tunnels, especially in dangerous areas, marks a significant turning point in Hamas's operational strategy amidst the ongoing conflict.

“

because of the attacks, the leadership of the resistance decided to stop relying on tunnels and to act in a way that would help preserve the lives of commanders and operatives, as well as the abductees, with the aim of exchanging them for Palestinian prisoners.