Qatar PM says hostage deal framework sent to Hamas, which has ‘moved’ away from demanding ceasefire

By Agencies and ToI Staff 29 January 2024, 7:41 pm

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Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, prime minister and minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar attends the Annual Meeting of World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, January 16, 2024. (AP/ Markus Schreiber)

A framework for a halt in fighting in Gaza and the release of hostages is to be relayed to Hamas, Qatar’s prime minister says, following meetings with US, Israeli, and Egyptian officials.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani says “good progress” has been made during the talks this week, and the parties are “hoping to relay this proposal to Hamas and to get them to a place where they engage positively and constructively in the process.”

He says there was a “clear demand” by Hamas for a “permanent ceasefire” ahead of the talks, but “I believe that we moved from that place.”

He adds the current phase of talks could lead to a permanent ceasefire “in the future.”