‘Not Positive’: Israeli Official Criticizes Qatar Over Hostage Negotiations

Latest Developments

• Qatar Unhelpful in Hostage Talks: An Israeli official said on April 28 that Qatar had “recently had an influence that was not positive on [hostage] negotiations” following reports that Doha advised Hamas to reject the latest Egyptian-proposed hostage deal. The official also emphasized that there is “no chance” that Israel would agree to a ceasefire plan that allows Hamas to “rearm, recover and continue its war against Israel.”
• American Israeli Ex-Hostage Describes ‘Medieval Torture’ in Captivity: Released American-Israeli hostage Keith Siegel on April 28 described witnessing “acts of medieval torture” while held in captivity by Hamas. “I survived horrors I could never have imagined; starvation, dehydration, relentless humiliation,” Siegel said. “I witnessed sexual assault, trapped 130 feet underground in suffocating tunnels.” He urged President Trump to “apply pressure” to help finalize a deal and secure the release of the 59 Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, 24 of whom are still believed to be alive.
• Qatar Calls Israeli Suspension of Aid ‘Stain’ on the World: Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on April 27 condemned Israel’s suspension of aid into Gaza, calling it “a stain on the conscience of the entire world.” On March 2, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had halted “the entry of goods and supplies into Gaza” after Hamas rejected a proposed ceasefire extension, emphasizing that the Iran-backed terrorist organization controlled “all of the supplies” being delivered to the coastal enclave at the time. Israel is reportedly considering the establishment of a new humanitarian zone for Gazan civilians in the recently evacuated Rafah area, located south of the IDF’s newly established Morag corridor and north of the IDF-controlled Philadelphi corridor along the border with Egypt.

FDD Expert Response

“Regardless of the report’s accuracy, Israel and the United States must approach Qatar as Hamas’s representative in the ceasefire negotiations. Qatar’s longstanding support for Hamas, including hosting its leadership, is not rooted in benevolence toward the Palestinian people. Instead, Qatar acts as a political backer of the Islamist group. It is motivated by a strategic interest in preserving Hamas’s rule over the Gaza Strip and will seek to ensure its continued dominance.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal

“To breathe new life into hostage talks, the Trump administration should turn the screws on Hamas’s patrons in Qatar. President Trump’s trip to Qatar next month is an opportunity to reset the tone of negotiations. Qatar has long received undeserved praise from American officials while behaving more as a foe than a friend. When he arrives in Qatar, Trump should opt for pressure over praise. He owes that much to the Americans still captive in Gaza.” — Natalie Ecanow, Senior Research Analyst

FDD Background and Analysis

“IDF Reports New Casualties in Gaza as Fighting Set to Intensify,” FDD Flash Brief

“‘Sons of Dogs’: Palestinian Authority President Lambasts Hamas, Calls for Release of Israeli Hostages,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas reportedly unable to pay fighters amid Israeli campaign against finances,” by Joe Truzman

“IDF suffers first casualties since start of new Gaza offensive,” by Seth J. Frantzman