Mr. Shinwal is said to want a cease-fire agreement before Israel and Iran escalate

Israel's Channel 12 reported Thursday, citing an anonymous Hamas source, that newly elected Hamas leader Yahya Singwal is prepared to sign a cease-fire and hostage agreement with Israel before the anticipated Iranian attack on Israel and the further intensification of the dispute between the two countries.

According to reports, Mr. Shinwal told Qatar's Hamas leadership that only Deputy Representative Khalil Al-Hayyah and Hamas executive Ghazi Hamad can negotiate the terms of the cease-fire and hostage deal.

Furthermore, according to sources, it was added that Mr. Singwal was not satisfied with being elected as a successor to the murdered Ismail Haniya, and since he is hiding in the Gaza Strip, he is unable to carry out his duties, so he sees the appointment as a trap.