Qatar: Talks for release of soldiers held by Hamas will begin after civilians freed

Qatar says that negotiations for the release of Israel Defense Force soldiers held hostage by Hamas will begin after civilian hostages are freed.

In a press briefing, Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari says, “The current priority is the release of civilian hostages, women and children, then will come the turn of the military ones,” he says.

Highlighting the role of Qatar alongside Egypt in mediating for the freedom of the abductees, Al-Ansari also says that the Gulf country cannot at this moment confirm the release of any additional Israeli hostages beyond the 20 that are slated to be released in two groups of ten today and tomorrow according to the terms of the two-day extension of the truce agreed to by the parties.

“Qatar is supporting all regional efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza,” Al-Ansari adds, noting that there is ongoing coordination among Arab countries to issue a joint message to this effect to the international community.