Diplomatic intervention by Qatar in humanitarian aspects of the war with Hamas in Gaza is "crucial at this time," Israel's National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi wrote on Tuesday amid talks of a breakthrough in the release of some Israeli hostages from Gaza.
"I’m pleased to say that Qatar is becoming an essential party and stakeholder in the facilitation of humanitarian solutions," Hanegbi said in a post on the social media platform X.
"Qatar’s diplomatic efforts are crucial at this time," he added.
I’m pleased to say that Qatar is becoming an essential party and stakeholder in the facilitation of humanitarian solutions.Qatar’s diplomatic efforts are crucial at this time.
— Tzachi Hanegbi • צחי הנגבי (@Tzachi_Hanegbi) October 25, 2023
Qatar's PM: some progress on hostage negotiations
Qatar's prime minister said on Wednesday there was some progress on hostage negotiations after Palestinian militant group Hamas abducted more than 200 hostages during its October 7 massacre in southern Israel.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who is also the foreign minister, said at a press conference with his Turkish counterpart that he hoped there would be breakthroughs on hostage releases "soon."
Wealthy gas producer Qatar has had an open dialogue with both Israel and Hamas, which has brought about the release of four hostages held by Hamas, including two Israeli women on Monday. The Gulf state, in coordination with the US, is leading mediation talks with Hamas and Israeli officials over the hostages' release as Israel prepares a ground assault on the enclave.
Qatar: Israeli land incursion into Gaza will complicate efforts to get hostages home
Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman said on Wednesday that an Israeli land incursion into Gaza will complicate efforts to get hostages home. Qatar's main priority is to safely get hostages back home which requires they don't get harmed in crossfire, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari.
"Qatar has focused its mediation efforts on the release of hostages, which is separate from broader discussions on de-escalation," Al-Ansari said.