Watan-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas is facing pressure from Qatar for the first time regarding negotiations on a prisoner exchange deal with Israel.

Netanyahu said during his meeting with families of prisoners held by Palestinian resistance groups that “Israel has seen pressure from Qatar on Hamas for the first time regarding the prisoner exchange deal.”

However, he added: “So far, there has been no real response from Hamas, and the changes that have occurred are due to pressure from us (the Israeli government),” as reported by Israel Hayom and translated by Watani.

Allegations of Qatari pressure on Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu further commented on the pressure on the resistance: “We see pressure on Hamas from Qatar for the first time, which has begun to tell them: We will deport you, we will deprive you of funds. And that’s what was said.”

He continued his allegations: “We are sure that this was indeed said. And this is a change and a positive development.”

Netanyahu also commented on the potential prisoner exchange deal: “If someone tells you that I don’t want the deal and I’m trying to prevent it, that’s nonsense,” claiming that the Israeli government “is committed to returning each one of the detainees held by Hamas.”

Qatar’s response to Netanyahu’s allegations

There has been no response or comment from Qatar until now. Recently, the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussed the situation in Gaza in a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, stated that Doha is working towards achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, not just a short-term truce, but the situation on the ground is complex, as he described it.

On February 19, 2024, Qatar criticized comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu urging it to pressure Hamas to release hostages.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson mentioned that the statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister, calling on Qatar to pressure Hamas to release hostages, are nothing but another attempt by him to procrastinate and prolong the war.

The Qatari spokesperson clarified that Qatar has been committed since day one to mediation efforts and ending the crisis and releasing the hostages.