If this is true, it means that Hamas and Islamic Jihad know they’re losing. Islamic law stipulates that “if Muslims are weak, a truce may be made for ten years if necessary, for the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) made a truce with the Quraysh for that long, as is related by Abu Dawud” (‘Umdat as-Salik, o9.16).
Note that this can only be done if “Muslims are weak.” The same legal manual also quotes this verse of the Qur’an: “So do not be fainthearted and call for peace, when it is you who are the uppermost” (Sura 47:35). So Hamas and Islamic Jihad would not be calling for a truce at all if they believed that they were in a position of strength. “Interests that justify making a truce are such things as Muslim weakness because of lack of numbers or materiel, or the hope of an enemy becoming Muslim . . .” (‘Umdat as-Salik, o9.16).
The bottom line: Hamas and Islamic Jihad are feeling the heat and want a truce in order to regroup and emerge in a stronger position. But Western analysts do not know or care about what Islamic law says, and so they will think this means that these groups want peace, and press Israel to accept — when what it really means is that its enemies are weak, and know they’re losing, and Israel should press forward to victory.
“Report: Terrorists Offer 10-Year Truce,” Arutz Sheva, July 16, 2014:
Palestinian Arab sources reported Wednesday that Hamas and Islamic Jihad have drafted a ceasefire offer that would involve a 10-year truce with Israel.
The terrorists want all crossings into Gaza opened, and an international airport to be opened in Gaza. The Rafah crossing is to be opened up to international traffic, under UN supervision, with international observers along the borders.
There is no official confirmation of the offer and it is being greeted with skepticism, as more of a trial balloon than an actual offer.
Other articles in the alleged proposal include the withdrawal of IDF tanks from areas they entered in Operation Protective Edge; a complete removal of the blockade on Gaza; an international sea port; no more flights by Israeli aircraft over Palestinian territory and expansion of the fishing zone to 10 km from the shoreline.
In addition, the terrorists demand that Israel release the terror prisoners who were freed in the Shalit deal and re-arrested in Operation Brother’s Keeper.
Other terrorist conditions: Israel will be obliged not to interfere with the activity of the Palestinian unity government, and industrial zones along the border will be rebuilt and renovated.