Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized the current government for what he described as a grave moral and practical misstep in partnering with Qatar to negotiate hostage releases. He voiced his concerns on his X page, insisting that Qatar is not a constructive ally in humanitarian and diplomatic efforts. Bennett asserted that Qatar acts as an adversary in the conflict, arguing that it funds, assists, and supports Hamas, the terrorist organization Israel seeks to dismantle. He emphasized that the stated Israeli aim is to destroy Hamas, while suggesting Qatar’s objectives run in the opposite direction.
In his remarks, Bennett challenged the notion that cooperation with Qatar could advance Israel’s security goals. He warned that a failure to clearly distinguish between friend and foe would undermine any strategy aimed at neutralizing the threat posed by Hamas. The intervention came after reports that Israeli leadership had publicly outlined a determination to eliminate Hamas, a stance Bennett underscored as essential to achieving lasting security in the region.
Earlier reporting from The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed sources, described negotiations involving Hamas, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt over the release of about 50 hostages. The reports indicated that while the parties were close to an agreement, a deadlock emerged over fuel provisions to the Gaza Strip. Jerusalem reportedly resisted allowing fuel shipments from Egypt into Gaza, highlighting the complexity of supply and security considerations in the negotiations.
On 20 October, statements from Palestinian Hamas referenced the release of two American citizens in captivity, noting that a mother and daughter were freed with Qatar’s mediation and for humanitarian reasons. This development underscored Qatar’s role as a mediator in the broader hostage crisis, even as the broader strategic debate continued over its influence and alignment within the region’s dynamics.
Additionally, remarks attributed to Qatar suggested confidence that a ground operation by Israel in Gaza could impact the fate of the hostages. The exchange highlights the delicate balance between military actions and diplomatic mediation in attempts to secure the release of individuals held in Gaza and the broader implications for regional stability.