Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed today, Wednesday, that "there has been some progress in negotiations concerning the hostages in the Gaza Strip." During a press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Doha, Sheikh Mohammed, who also serves as Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated: "He hopes for a breakthrough in the release of hostages soon." He continued: "The number of children who have been killed in Gaza has far exceeded the number of children killed in the Ukraine war, but there has not been a similar reaction to both crises." He emphasized that "the only way to reach a peaceful solution in Gaza is to keep communication channels open."
For his part, Fidan pointed out that "any ground operation by Israel in the Gaza Strip will turn the fighting there into a massacre." He mentioned that "those who support Israel's actions under the name of solidarity are complicit in its crimes." Hamas has held approximately 222 individuals ranging in age from nine months to 85 years old since a surprise attack on October 7. Israel responded with a campaign of bombardment and airstrikes on the strip in addition to imposing a complete siege on it. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is conducting extensive talks with Qatari officials in Doha today, headed by the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
