Qatar's Gaza Gambit

Israel has publicly urged Qatar to exert more pressure on Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesperson, Ofir Gendelman, accused Qatar of allowing Hamas leaders to enjoy luxurious lives in Doha while hindering efforts to free the hostages. Gendelman stated that Qatar's leverage over Hamas could be used to expedite the release of hostages. The Israeli government's increased public criticism comes as negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release appear to have stalled. Qatar has been a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, facilitating previous agreements. Israel's frustration stems from what it perceives as Qatar not using its influence sufficiently to pressure Hamas to compromise. Gendelman highlighted that Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal live comfortably in Qatar, suggesting Qatar is complicit in prolonging the hostage crisis. He implored Qatar to use its influence to ensure Hamas softens its demands and facilitates the immediate release of all hostages. This appeal marks a notable shift in Israel's public stance, directly challenging Qatar's role in the ongoing conflict. Israel's message is that Qatar must move beyond simply facilitating negotiations and actively pressure Hamas to yield. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/israel-calls-qatar-stop-playing-225334442.html