Donald Trump, US President-elect has initiated diplomatic efforts in Qatar and Israel to facilitate a cease-fire in Gaza.
His envoy is reported to traveling to both countries to secure the release of hostages before the incoming White House takes over on January 20.
Steve Witkoff, a real estate investor with strong business ties in Israel and the Gulf but no formal diplomatic experience, met with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in late November and aims to build on ongoing but so far unsuccessful efforts led by Biden’s administration, Qatar, and Egypt.
While Biden’s team will remain the primary US negotiator, the incoming envoy’s discussions signal Qatar’s reengagement as a mediator after temporarily stepping back, the source said.
Hamas negotiators are also expected to return to Doha for further talks as well, a source said.
The plans for new talks has no specific date set.
While Biden’s team has not directly coordinated with Witkoff, they see his efforts as exploratory and an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the key issues, according to a US
official.
A Hamas official also reported on Thursday that international mediators have resumed negotiating with the militant group and Israel over a ceasefire in Gaza, and that he was hopeful a deal to end the 14-month war was within reach.
Ceasefire negotiations were halted last month when Qatar suspended talks with mediators from Egypt and the United States because of frustration over a lack of progress between Israel and Hamas.
There has been a “reactivation” of efforts in recent days to end the fighting, release hostages from Gaza and free Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
Bassem Naim, an official in Hamas’ political bureau reveals.
