Qatar’s Prime Minister Presses Hamas to Accept U.S.-Backed Gaza Ceasefire Deal

In a significant diplomatic move, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has urged Hamas leaders to accept the latest US-backed ceasefire and hostage-release proposal for Gaza. The message was delivered during high-stakes talks in Doha this week, according to an official briefed on the discussions.

“The Qatari prime minister pressed Hamas to respond positively to the latest American proposal,” the source confirmed, describing the initiative as a crucial step toward ending the Gaza conflict and securing the release of Israeli hostages held by the terrorist group.

The proposal, reportedly relayed through Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin and Palestinian-American academic Dr. Bishara Bahbah, outlines a phased agreement. Under its terms, Hamas would release all 48 hostages both living and deceased on day one. In return, the United States would provide guarantees that hostilities will not resume until talks between Israel and Hamas reach a conclusion.

While Hamas has acknowledged receiving the proposal and is in talks with mediators, the group continues to voice serious reservations. Sources inside Hamas told regional media that the plan contains “many traps and pitfalls” and lacks clear commitments to demands such as Israeli withdrawal from strategic corridors like the Philadelphi Corridor and the reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Of particular concern to Hamas are logistical issues related to hostage retrieval. The terror group claims that some hostages have been killed or buried in areas now under IDF control, requiring Israel to pause military activity for their recovery a point of contention in negotiations.

Despite these hurdles, international pressure is mounting. The United States and its partners see the current moment as a window of opportunity to end the war that has claimed thousands of lives and left much of Gaza in ruins. As part of the deal, Israel would reportedly cancel its planned operation in Gaza City and release between 2,000 and 3,000 Palestinian security prisoners, including individuals convicted of murder.

For its part, Hamas is demanding more ironclad guarantees particularly that any deal would bring about a definitive end to the war, not just a temporary pause. The group has stated that it wants any final agreement to be backed by international guarantors, including the United States.

This ongoing back-and-forth illustrates the immense complexity of brokering peace in a region long plagued by violence and distrust. Still, the active involvement of Qatar and the United States signals a renewed push for a resolution that could bring hostages home and stop the fighting.

Israel remains committed to securing the release of its citizens and defeating terror on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed and stand with Israel.