Qatar Reportedly Undermines Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal Negotiations

Several Israeli media reports allege that Qatar has been undermining hostage and ceasefire negotiations in Gaza by encouraging Hamas to reject recent Egyptian proposals in hopes of securing more favorable terms. Israeli officials claim that Qatari mediators have hindered progress and that talks might have been more successful if conducted solely through Egypt, as military and diplomatic pressure had made Hamas more amenable to compromise. These reports also criticize Israel's own negotiation strategy and suggest that associates of Prime Minister Netanyahu have complicated matters by promoting Qatari interests. However, an Arab official familiar with the negotiations disputes these claims, asserting that reports of Qatari sabotage are manufactured by Israeli officials to deflect blame from Netanyahu for the deadlock. The situation remains tense, with Israel expected to escalate military action in Gaza if no agreement is reached soon. The overall atmosphere is marked by mutual accusations and a lack of progress in securing a hostage deal.