Shin Bet and Hamas established direct communication channel during Gaza war

A direct communication channel was established between Israel’s Shin Bet and Hamas during the conflict in Gaza. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the channel involved high-ranking officials: Shin Bet representative Ronen Bar, acting on behalf of the agency's head, and Hamas official Ghazi Hamad.

Approved by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Khalil al-Hayya, the channel operated exclusively via telephone. Dozens of calls were made, which Ronen Bar monitored in real time. The direct line was used to neutralize obstacles in hostage negotiations, including disputes over the specific names of prisoners or hostages to be released.

The channel, established in August 2024, was reportedly instrumental in Hamas accepting the peace agreement reached in January 2025. It also served to bypass obstacles presented by Qatar. The existence of this channel highlighted internal Israeli disagreements, as Shin Bet preferred Egypt as a mediator while Mossad favored Qatar.