Qatar: logistical problems between talks between Hamas and Israel

As the humanitarian tragedy continues after the attack on Israel by the Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, on October 7, a statement comes today from Qatar.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Es-Thani, who is continuing mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, said there are some “very minor” obstacles between the agreement between the two sides.

Al-Thani said the main obstacles to a deal were now “very minor” and were more practical and logistical issues.

Claim that an agreement has been reached

In an article published in the Washington Post, one of the most respected newspapers in the United States, it is stated that the parties reached an agreement on the release of 50 hostages. However, the White House and Israel denied this claim.

Reuters reported on Nov. 15, based on an official with knowledge of the talks, that Qatari mediators were seeking an agreement between Israel and Hamas on the exchange of 50 hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire. The official said at the time that the broad outlines had been agreed upon, but that Israel was still negotiating the details.

“The challenges to the deal are only practical and logistical,” Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said at a joint news conference with European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in Doha.

Es-Thani said: “The deal has seen ups and downs from time to time in recent weeks. “But now I think I have more confidence that we are close enough to reaching an agreement that can bring people home safely.”