Qatar: Negotiations on Hamas Military Hostages Will Begin After Civilian Releases

Qatar states that negotiations for the release of Israeli soldiers held hostage by Hamas will begin after the release of civilian hostages. According to the Times of Israel, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majid Al-Ansari, said at a press conference: "The current priority is the release of civilian hostages, women and children, after which it will be the turn of the military personnel." He mentioned that Qatar currently cannot confirm the release of Israeli hostages beyond the 20 Israeli hostages expected to be released in two groups on Tuesday and Wednesday. Ten Israeli hostages are set to be released on Tuesday and another ten on Wednesday by Hamas, based on a two-day ceasefire extension agreement in Gaza. Qatar and Egypt have played a mediating role in the indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Al-Ansari stated that Qatar supports all regional efforts to achieve a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. He noted that there is ongoing coordination among Arab countries to send a joint message to the international community on this matter. Hamas killed about 1,200 people in its attack on Israel on October 7 and took around 240 hostages, including American citizens. In response to Hamas's attack, Israel has launched an assault on Gaza and continues to state that its goal is the destruction of Hamas, as it threatens Israel's security. The United States, the European Union, and Japan have designated the Iran-backed militant group Hamas as a terrorist organization. The previously announced trip of Ibrahim Raisi to Turkey did not take place. Qatar's representative at the United Nations called for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza. The Pentagon stated that the attempt to hijack a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Aden was the work of Somali pirates. Netanyahu stated that the destruction of Hamas is essential; Elon Musk expressed his desire to help.