negotiation

Under the plan, Hamas would surrender, release all hostages, disarm and relinquish any future role in Gaza’s governance — all points Netanyahu has insisted on throughout many rounds of fruitless Qatari-brokered negotiations with Hamas.

If it is to work, hard negotiation will be necessary.

He has shifted position through previous rounds of negotiations, and has ridden through previous ceasefire deals, only to back out when a permanent end to the war is up for discussion.

He expected tough negotiations but soon realised the scale of the challenge with fighters demanding inflated purses, games of bluff and brinkmanship.

Qatar has hosted the Hamas political bureau since 2012 and has served along with the US and Egypt as a mediator in indirect negotiations between the group and Israel throughout the 23-month war in Gaza.