Qatari PM questions Israel’s seriousness about reaching hostage deal after killing of Haniyeh

By Lazar Berman

You will receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

You will no longer receive email alerts from this author. Manage alert preferences on your profile page

31 July 2024, 12:10 pm

15 Edit

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, arrives at the plenary session of the Summit on peace in Ukraine, at the luxury Burgenstock resort, near Lucerne, Switzerland, June 15, 2024. (Urs Flueeler / Pool / AFP)

Qatar’s prime minister casts doubt on Israel’s seriousness about reaching a hostage release deal after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.

“Political assassinations & continued targeting of civilians in Gaza while talks continue leads us to ask, how can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on other side?” writes Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on X. “Peace needs serious partners & a global stance against the disregard for human life.”

Qatar, along with Egypt and the US, has been mediating talks between Israel and Hamas throughout the war in Gaza. It also hosts Hamas leaders, including Haniyeh.