Multiple Israeli media reports claim that Qatari mediators encouraged Hamas to reject an Egyptian compromise proposal, suggesting a better deal could be reached if they held out despite Israeli military pressure.
Qatar has been undermining efforts to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, multiple Israeli news outlets citing senior Israeli officials say, in order to secure more favorable terms for Hamas.
According to a report Sunday by Israel Hayom, Qatari mediators who have acted as intermediaries in talks between Israel and Hamas since October 7th, 2023, have in recent weeks been encouraging Hamas to turn down a proposed compromise arrangement drafted by Egypt, on the assumption that the terror group could get a better deal if it holds out for more.
The Egyptian plan, proposed last month following the resumption of Israeli military operations in Gaza on March 18th, includes the release of five Israeli hostages – live and dead – at the outset of the new ceasefire, with additional releases every week to 10 days.