Qatar PM holds talks with Hamas on Gaza ceasefire negotiations
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The Qatari Foreign Ministry stated that the meeting focused on "reviewing the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire talks and exploring ways to advance them."
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Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani looks on as he attends a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha, Qatar, Sunday, on January 7, 2024. (AP)
On Saturday, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held discussions with a Hamas delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, to address ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
The ministry stated that the meeting focused on "reviewing the latest developments in the Gaza ceasefire talks and exploring ways to advance them." The discussions are part of Qatar's ongoing efforts to mediate a resolution to the war in coordination with Egypt.
In a statement issued two days prior, Hamas confirmed that "the ceasefire and prisoner exchange negotiations in Gaza are progressing seriously in Doha, with Qatar and Egypt acting as mediators." The movement noted that it had shown "responsibility and flexibility" during the process.
However, Hamas noted challenges in reaching an agreement, stating, "The Israeli occupation introduced new issues and conditions related to withdrawal, the ceasefire, prisoners, and the return of displaced persons," which it said, "delayed reaching an agreement that had been within reach."
Read more: Exclusive: Palestinian leader reveals ceasefire progress, obstacles
Reuters on Monday reported that gaps between "Israel" and Hamas over the ceasefire have narrowed, though significant issues remain unresolved. Efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US to broker a truce have gained traction in recent weeks, but no major breakthroughs have been announced.
A Palestinian official involved in the discussions revealed that while some contentious points had been addressed, disagreements persist over the list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed by "Israel" and the future positioning of Israeli troops within Gaza.
Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli echoed these concerns, stating that the two sides are closer to an agreement than they have been in months but mentioned that unresolved issues could determine the success or longevity of any truce.
