What is the real reason behind Qatari PM's remarks on Hamas, talks?

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen
23 Apr 2024 15:14
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The Israeli occupation and the US are pressuring Qatar in the course of negotiations, pushing it to reconsider its position as a mediator.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani speaks during a joint press conference with United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at Diwan Annex, in Doha, February 6, 2024. (AP)

Qatar was subjected to severe pressure from the United States and "Israel" at an earlier time so that the Gulf nation would, in turn, exert pressure on the Islamic Resistance Movement - Hamas in the course of the mediated negotiations, a senior Palestinian source told Al Mayadeen.

Not only was Qatar pushed to pressure Hamas to accept terms of unfavorable proposed deals, but Washington also asked Turkey to intervene in the same negotiations to force the Palestinian Resistance to soften its stance.

Qatar says negotiations stalled; here is why:

Earlier on April 17, the Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani said in a press conference that negotiations between "Israel" and Hamas have stalled.

"We are going through a sensitive stage with some stalling, and we are trying as much as possible to address this stalling," Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani stated.

Negotiators are trying to "move forward and put an end to the suffering that the people in Gaza are experiencing" and the release of Israeli captives held by the Palestinian Resistance, Sheikh al-Thani said.

The source told Al Mayadeen that the real reason behind the announcement was the pressure applied on the Qataris, which has led Doha to reevaluate its position as a mediator.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian official told Al Mayadeen that Hamas informed all concerned parties that it is committed to Qatar's mediation and that it does not accept any substitute for it. Moreover, Hamas welcomed a Turkish intervention into the "Palestinian file" but at the same time told concerned parties that it would not consider that a replacement for Qatar.

The US and "Israel" have made several proposals for a temporary truce, including a prisoner exchange deal, however, these proposals have reportedly passed over Hamas' demands for a permanent ceasefire among other key clauses.

In particular, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proven unwilling to reach a ceasefire agreement with the Palestinian Resistance, as his negotiating team continues to maneuver and avoid discussing contend clauses in a concrete manner.