Despite Conflict of Interest, Qatar Is Vital to Israel–Hamas Negotiations, Hostage Release: Experts

A home away from home for Hamas leaders, the tiny oil-rich nation plays a unique role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at a hotel during a day of meetings, in Amman, Jordan, on Nov. 4, 2023. Jonathan Ernst/Pool/Reuters

In a round of negotiations on Nov. 15, Qatari mediators sought a deal between Israel and Hamas. The deal currently under discussion and coordinated with the United States includes the release from Gaza of 50 civilian hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters.

However, the biggest irony of hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas is that they are being facilitated by Qatar, a country that is a home away from home for many Hamas leaders, experts say.