Arab officials to ToI: Egypt, Qatar fear Trump’s Gaza plan could upend hostage talks

Arab mediators from Egypt and Qatar are concerned that US President Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza and permanently empty the enclave of its Palestinians may impact the ongoing Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, as Israel and Hamas begin indirect talks regarding the terms of the agreement’s second phase, two Arab officials tell The Times of Israel.

“The deal is very fragile, and the transition from the first to the second phase was always going to be difficult, but this could completely upend everything,” says one of the Arab officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The second official reveals that Hamas has already indicated to mediators that Trump’s comments yesterday may have an effect on how it proceeds in the negotiations regarding phase two. However, the Arab official adds that Hamas did not provide any specifics.