The 2024 Secret Intelligence Channel to Ghazi Hamad
According to Adi Rotem’s interview with Channel 12, the former intelligence officer initiated direct talks with Ghazi Hamad during the height of the Gaza conflict in 2024. Rotem stated that the clandestine channel received approval from the political echelon. Rotem identified Hamad as the correct counterpart due to his seniority, cunning nature, and access to the wider Hamas leadership, noting a prior working relationship stemming from the 2011 Shalit agreement where Israel released 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, including Yahya Sinwar, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Rotem decided to approach Hamad directly after negotiations stalled throughout the summer of 2024, following the August 2024, when six hostages were taken by Hamas: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Ori Danino, Eden Yerushalmi, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Carmel Gat.
Terms of the January 2025 Hostage and Ceasefire Agreement
According to the Times of Israel, the backchannel talks laid the groundwork for a January 2025 agreement. The pact involved the phased release of dozens of living and deceased hostages in exchange for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and the liberation of more than 1,000 Palestinian security prisoners held in Israeli jails. The framework also established plans for subsequent phases covering the release of all remaining hostages, an end to the war, and a full Israeli military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
Despite the initial framework, the ceasefire collapsed during its first phase due to continuous Israeli military operations in Gaza. A separate US-backed agreement was subsequently reached in October to end the fighting.
Operational Mindset and Functional Diplomacy
When asked about the specific messaging delivered to Hamad during the secret talks, Rotem recounted telling the Hamas official that both sides remained sworn enemies engaged in active warfare, yet shared a functional role to negotiate terms.
Simultaneous Tensions Over Israeli Prison Conditions
While intelligence backchannels operated in secret, domestic political friction persisted inside Israel. The prisoners complained of inadequate sanitary conditions, lack of showers for three days, and minimal healthcare. Ben Gvir defended the restrictions, stating he took direct responsibility and felt pleased with the conditions because Israeli hostages in Gaza faced similar hardships.
The Palestinian Prisoners Club and the Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs condemned Ben Gvir’s remarks as a direct assault on human dignity. According to the Commission, approximately 9.400 Palestinians, including 88 women and over 350 children, remain detained in Israeli facilities under strict policies implemented by Ben Gvir since late 2022.
Did you know? The 2011 Shalit prisoner exchange, referenced by Adi Rotem regarding Ghazi Hamad’s negotiation history, involved the release of 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Adi Rotem?
Adi Rotem is a former officer of Israel’s Shin Bet intelligence agency who revealed his role in conducting secret direct negotiations with senior Hamas official Ghazi Hamad in 2024.
What was the outcome of the 2024 backchannel talks?
According to Channel 12 and the Times of Israel, the talks helped enable a January 2025 agreement for phased hostage releases, increased humanitarian aid, and the liberation of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners before the truce collapsed.
Who is Ghazi Hamad?
Ghazi Hamad is a senior Hamas official who previously participated in negotiations for the 2011 Shalit prisoner exchange and engaged in direct talks with Israeli intelligence figures in 2024.
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