As negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt for a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas have faltered in recent weeks, the Palestinian movement released a video yesterday of a young Israeli prisoner who also holds American citizenship. However, the timing of the release raised numerous questions amid a deadlock in talks between the two sides.
Sources familiar with the matter reported that the video served as a "gesture" towards the Qatari government, which had pressured Hamas in recent weeks to provide proof of life for the prisoners, according to the American site "Axios." They clarified that the undated video of 23-year-old Hirsch Goldberg-Pollin was delivered to Doha days before its broadcast, which, in turn, shared it with the United States and Israel last Monday.
An American official confirmed that the Biden administration received the video on Monday, stating, "We have been in contact with the young man's family since then." The official added that the FBI and the hostage recovery cell are currently examining the video for useful information.
Additionally, a source familiar with the situation noted that the Biden administration had repeatedly asked the Qatari mediator for evidence that Goldberg-Pollin and other American prisoners are still alive. Securing proof of life (especially for an American citizen) is considered an important achievement in the case for both the mediators and the Biden administration.
The video could also assist the Qataris in deflecting Israeli criticism and scrutiny from certain members of Congress regarding their efforts to pressure Hamas to advance the prisoner exchange deal. Last week, Qatar announced that it would reassess its role in mediating ceasefire and prisoner talks between Israel and Hamas following intense criticism from some U.S. lawmakers.
One source suggested that part of Qatar's stance stems from a feeling that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is engaging in "political maneuvers" at Qatar's expense for domestic political reasons. Another reason cited was frustration with the behaviors of both Hamas and Israel during the negotiations, as the source indicated that Doha feels both sides are not genuinely interested in reaching an agreement and are unwilling to make necessary concessions.
Goldberg-Pollin's video may increase pressure on Netanyahu to agree to move forward with a prisoner exchange deal. The Goldberg-Pollin family issued a statement yesterday urging all Israeli media to broadcast the video during prime time, in an effort to raise awareness and pressure regarding the matter. His parents expressed "relief at seeing Hirsch alive" but also voiced concerns for his health and the well-being of all other hostages. They called on all parties involved in the negotiations, including Qatar, Egypt, the U.S., Hamas, and Israel, to "show courage and seize the opportunity to reach an agreement."
