Ghazi Hamad and Hamas: Years of Behind-the-Scenes Communication with Israelis
Ghazi Hamad’s name was not only present in Hamas’s political and media discourse, but he was also linked for years to back channels of communication with Israeli figures.
These contacts reveal a different aspect of the complex relationship between Hamas and Israel. Despite the absence of diplomatic relations and the military and political hostility between the two sides, back channels remained open during times of crisis, especially when it came to prisoner exchanges and ceasefires.
The Gershon Baskin Channel
One of the most prominent of these channels was the relationship between Ghazi Hamad and the Israeli mediator Gershon Baskin. According to Baskin, their contact began in 2006 and continued for years, forming a back channel for negotiations regarding the case of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was captured by Hamas.
Baskin says that his contacts with Hamad lasted for long hours over several years and contributed to building a communication channel that ultimately helped reach the 2011 deal in which Shalit was released in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners.
The contacts between the two men were not limited to the Shalit case. Baskin spoke of their continued communication aimed at reaching a ceasefire agreement and a long-term truce.
Hamad: A Figure Known in Israeli Negotiation Circles
Ghazi Hamad held several senior positions in the Hamas government, including Deputy Foreign Minister, making him a familiar figure to mediators and those attempting to establish communication channels with the movement.
Contacts During the War
These channels did not cease over the years. Following the outbreak of the Gaza War in October 2013, Baskin stated that he continued trying to contact Hamad to reach an agreement on the release of prisoners.
According to Baskin, communication between them was interrupted for a period after the October 7 attack, before resuming later when he saw that the channel could contribute to saving lives and securing the release of hostages.
Contacts During the 2026 War:
A very significant development occurred in August 2026: The Times of Israel published a report on August 27, citing the Walla! website, stating that Benjamin Netanyahu had secret direct contacts with Ghazi Hamad during the 2014 Gaza War, and that businessman Shlomi Fogel facilitated the connection between them.
التاريخ 31-8-2026
