Israeli actions have “killed hope” for a ceasefire agreement aimed at freeing remaining hostages in Gaza, according to the Prime Minister of Qatar. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani expressed this sentiment on Thursday, highlighting concerns over recent attacks on Hamas negotiation teams in Doha.
Al-Thani criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegedly undermining the delicate negotiations over the past few months.
“I had just spoken with a family member of a hostage right before the attack,” Al-Thani mentioned during a CNN interview late Wednesday. “These families are counting on this ceasefire. It’s really their only hope.”
Israel launched airstrikes targeting Hamas negotiators in the Qatari capital, which has played a significant role in mediating ceasefire discussions alongside Egypt.
In recent discussions, Qatari officials stated that Al-Thani spoke with a Hamas delegation just one day before the airstrikes, addressing proposals from President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkov.
However, Israel has consistently argued that Qatar cannot effectively mediate due to Hamas leadership being based there. They accuse Qatar of harboring and funding terrorist groups.
Despite Trump’s calls for resolution and assurances that such strikes would not happen again, Netanyahu escalated threats against Qatar, stating, “You can either expel Qatar and all nations that support terrorism, or they will face consequences.”
Al-Thani, who was attending a UN Security Council meeting in New York addressing Israeli military actions, vowed retaliation for the strikes in Doha.
Next week, Al-Thani is also set to lead an Arab Islamic Summit in Doha to further discuss the recent attacks.
Families of hostages and missing persons from Gaza expressed “deep concern and intense anxiety” over the implications of the attack, stating, “Our greatest fear now is what hostages may face as a result.”
