A senior Qatari diplomat denied claims of direct communication with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, emphasizing that all mediation is conducted through Khalil Al-Hayah, who leads negotiations. The diplomat also refuted reports of meetings with hostages’ families, stating that no communication has occurred between Qatar’s mediation team and the families.
A senior Qatari diplomat has refuted allegations of direct communication with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. In an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, the diplomat clarified that Qatar’s mediation efforts regarding the ongoing hostage crisis are conducted solely through representatives of Hamas’s political office located in Doha. The diplomat specifically mentioned, “Khalil Al-Hayah has been leading negotiations on behalf of Hamas since day one,” asserting that Sinwar has never participated in any direct discussions concerning these matters. Emphasizing this point, the diplomat referenced a public statement made by Qatar’s Prime Minister, affirming the historically lack of relationship or communication with Sinwar. The focus, the diplomat indicated, has consistently been on Al-Hayah, who has been responsible for executing the technical negotiations in this context. Furthermore, the role of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent figure in Hamas prior to his assassination in July 2024, was discussed. While Haniyeh had previously influenced negotiations, the diplomat highlighted that his involvement had diminished, and it was Al-Hayah who predominantly managed the negotiations. The Qatari official also denied statements suggesting that members of the mediation team had met with families of hostages held by Hamas. Responding to reports from N12 that claimed Sinwar had ceased communication and was in hiding among hostages, the diplomat asserted, “What was mentioned in the article is simply not true,” and confirmed that no meetings with the hostage families had taken place either recently or in the past week. Overall, the Qatari diplomat’s statements reflect a consistent denial of direct interactions with Sinwar and affirm Qatar’s ongoing role in mediating between conflicting parties through alternative channels.
The topic of Qatari mediation in the Israel-Hamas conflict has been a focal point in discussions about peace and hostage negotiations. Qatar has positioned itself as a mediator, aiming to facilitate discussions between various factions within Hamas and external parties. The structure of these negotiations is crucial to understanding the dynamics of their involvement, particularly the distinction between different Hamas leaders like Yahya Sinwar, Khalil Al-Hayah, and Ismail Haniyeh. The ongoing hostage crisis further complicates the situation, making clear communication regarding mediation efforts essential to alleviate public concern.
In conclusion, the statements made by the senior Qatari diplomat underscore Qatar’s role as a mediator in the conflict, emphasizing the absence of direct dialogue with Yahya Sinwar. The diplomat confirmed that Khalil Al-Hayah is the primary negotiator on behalf of Hamas, while denying any allegations of communication with hostages’ families. This assertion aims to clarify Qatar’s diplomatic position amidst ongoing complexities in the region.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
