Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman confirmed today, Sunday, that there are "false" reports about negotiations for the release of hostages held in Gaza, without providing further details. During a press conference in Doha with French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna, the prime minister stated that there are difficulties on the ground due to "Israeli military practices" in Gaza.
He added, "There are efforts for Qatari mediation in the release of prisoners, which are still ongoing despite the mediation process being jeopardized by the spread of false reports and leaks about the negotiations."
On a separate note, the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs remarked today that efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza require a "period of calm." Ministry spokesman Majid Al-Ansari noted during a press conference in Doha that the leaks from the negotiations are "harmful" and make it difficult for mediators to perform their work.
Qatar, which has faced criticism for hosting a Hamas office and its senior officials, stated that Hamas's presence in Doha represents a "channel for peace." Al-Ansari added, "It (the office) is a channel used in mediation for the release of hostages, for the exit of foreign nationals, and in various areas of ongoing mediation. Therefore, I see no reason to close that channel now."
