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Source: https://jcpa.org/the-psychology-of-the-waiting-game-is-hamas-in-the-drivers-seat/
Hamas' Strategy to Stymie Israeli Success at the Negotiating Table and the Battlefield
(Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Irwin J. Mansdorf, PhD - Hamas' strategy is becoming clear: Play a "waiting game" where time is the variable that serves to their advantage. The more time that passes, the greater the pressure on Israel to refrain from military operations. By appearing to engage in serious negotiations, leaking various statements that purport to show their interest in a deal, and continuing to negotiate while not deciding, Hamas avoids being blamed for refusing to deal while simultaneously disrupting IDF strategy. In essence, Hamas is the party in control of the negotiations. With repeated public pronouncements by outside actors opposing Israeli action in Rafah, Hamas can take their time, believing that Israel will not act without the expressed consent of the U.S. (Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) The writer is a clinical psychologist and a fellow at the Jerusalem Center specializing in political psychology.