https://arab.news/vtr6k
- The indirect talks in Qatar began over the weekend, just as Israel鈥檚 new offensive was getting underway
JERUSALEM: Israel said Tuesday that it was recalling its senior Gaza hostage negotiators from Doha 鈥渇or consultation,鈥� days after launching an intensified campaign in the Palestinian territory.
The indirect talks in Qatar, which has played a mediating role throughout the war, began over the weekend, just as Israel鈥檚 new offensive was getting underway.
鈥淎fter about a week of intensive contacts in Doha, the senior negotiation team will return to Israel for consultation, while working levels will remain in Doha for the time being,鈥� read a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu鈥檚 office, accusing Hamas of refusing to accept a deal.
A source close to Hamas, however, said on Tuesday that Israel鈥檚 delegation 鈥渉as not held any real negotiations since last Sunday,鈥� blaming 鈥淣etanyahu鈥檚 systematic policy of obstruction.鈥�
Earlier in the day, Qatar had said Israel鈥檚 鈥渋rresponsible, aggressive behavior鈥� with the expanded campaign had undermined the chances of a ceasefire.
Following Netanyahu鈥檚 announcement, the main group representing the families of hostages still being held in Gaza said it was 鈥減rofoundly alarmed and devastated鈥� at the decision to recall the negotiators, warning their loved ones鈥� lives were in danger.
Militants took 251 hostages during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the war, 57 of whom remain in Gaza including 34 the military says are dead.