“Hamas’s last-minute ceasefire proposal is a trap,” declared Mosab Hassan Yousef on social media platform X.
The former Hamas member, who later became an undercover agent for Israel’s Shin Bet, advised that Israel should not accept the ceasefire unless it included the unconditional release of all hostages and the resignation of Hamas from power.
Hamas's last-minute ceasefire proposal is a trap Israel should not fall into Hamas's new trap unless the terror group commits to the release of ALL HOSTAGES and stepping down from power. This is a trick orchestrated by Hamas hosts, agents, and donors to prevent Israel from…
— Mosab Hassan Yousef (@MosabHasanYOSEF) May 6, 2024
Yousef described the ceasefire as a “trick orchestrated by Hamas hosts, agents, and donors to prevent Israel from finishing 36 years of human tragedy at the expense of children and their future.”
Negotiating hostage release
He urged Israel to outsmart Hamas by demanding the release of all hostages in exchange for the cessation of the Rafah operation.
This warning comes against the backdrop of intense negotiations in Cairo, where Egyptian and Qatari delegations are engaged, despite Hamas’s acceptance of a ceasefire deal.
The Israeli government remains cautious, having sent a delegation to Cairo to explore all potential agreements thoroughly.
In a conversation between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, both leaders emphasized the urgency of resolving the situation to secure the release and safety of the hostages.
Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report.