Summary
Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer of Israel spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani over the weekend, marking their first direct communication, aimed at clarifying Israel’s position before Al-Thani’s meetings with Hamas. Following this conversation, Al-Thani met with Hamas leaders, who expressed readiness for “proximity talks” regarding a hostage deal and ceasefire; however, Hamas has not agreed to the proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff. Despite Hamas’s announcement, Israeli officials noted that negotiations are ongoing, although Israel will not send a delegation to Qatar due to Hamas’s request for changes to the deal.
