Political motive seen in US charges against Hamas

The United States' criminal charges against Hamas leaders for their role in the Oct 7 attacks on Israel are "politically motivated", aimed at reducing pressure on Israel even as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused of being the "main obstacle" in the cease-fire talks.

Former Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz has accused Netanyahu of being an obstacle in negotiations and for prioritizing the Philadelphi Corridor over the return of hostages after the death of six Israeli captives whose causes of death have yet to be determined as violence rages on in Gaza, most recently the West Bank.

Ayman Yousef, a professor of international relations at the Arab American University in Jenin in the West Bank, told China Daily that the timing of the US announcement "is part of their negotiation strategy".