The Israeli newspaper "Times of Israel" revealed on Saturday that Qatar is prepared to accept a request from the United States to expel Hamas leaders from Doha. Recently, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani to remove Hamas leaders if the group continues to reject proposals for a hostage deal, according to an American official speaking to "Times of Israel," confirming a report from the "Washington Post." The Israeli newspaper quoted the American source as saying that "this is expected to happen soon."
Negotiations have reached a critical point, with the arrival of U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns in Cairo coinciding with the arrival of a Hamas delegation. The group is expected to respond to the latest hostage deal proposal drafted by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which has been accepted by Israel. The United States has blamed Hamas for rejecting previous offers, stating that "Hamas is the only obstacle to reaching an agreement" that would lead to the release of dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for an immediate ceasefire lasting at least six weeks.
The American source familiar with the matter indicated that "the U.S. request for Doha to expel Hamas leadership may be met if the group refuses the latest offer on the table." An Israeli official suggested that Hamas is unlikely to completely reject the offer but may return with a modified proposal of its own. Hamas insists on a complete end to the war rather than a six-week truce.
