Israel’s economy minister notes distrust of Qatar in talks with Hamas — agency
It was unclear from his comments if Barkat was espousing the government’s official stance or speaking personally, Bloomberg noted
NEW YORK, April 4. /TASS/. Israeli Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat has noted distrust of Qatar as a mediator in talks with the radical Palestinian group Hamas, Bloomberg reported.
"They’re a wolf in sheep’s clothing. We must wake up," he was quoted as saying by the agency.
It was unclear from his comments if Barkat was espousing the government’s official stance or speaking personally, Bloomberg noted.
Negotiations involving Israel and Hamas with mediation from Egypt and Qatar focusing on the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and establishment of cease-fire in the enclave resumed in Doha on March 18. On March 29, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision to send delegations with representatives of security services to Qatar and Egypt to continue consultations with Hamas. The Kan radio station reported on Tuesday night that the Israeli side presented to mediators at the Cairo consultations an updated and more flexible position on the return of residents to northern Gaza in order to move toward a hostage release deal, and it was awaiting Hamas' response. According to the radio, if Hamas responds positively Mossad intelligence chief David Barnea and ISA chief Ronen Bar may join the Cairo consultations.
Tensions in the Middle East flared up again on October 7, 2023, after militants from the radical Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise incursion into Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip, killing residents of border communities and taking hundreds hostage. Hamas described its attack as a response to the aggressive actions of Israeli authorities against the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City. Israel announced a total blockade of Gaza and started carrying out retaliatory strikes on targets in the Strip, as well as on certain areas in Lebanon and Syria. On December 1, the Israeli army accused Hamas of violating a ceasefire that had taken effect on November 24 and resumed combat operations in the Gaza Strip. Palestinians held the US responsible for the renewed Israeli aggression.