A senior Qatari diplomat has denied direct communication with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, stating that all mediation efforts involve Khalil Al-Hayah. The diplomat clarified that the mediation team has not met with hostages’ families and addressed claims that Sinwar is involved in negotiations, asserting that the reports are false.
A senior diplomat from Qatar has refuted allegations regarding direct communication with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, asserting that all mediation initiatives are exclusively conducted through the Hamas political office in Doha. In an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, the diplomat explained that Khalil Al-Hayah has been the primary negotiator for Hamas since the outset of recent discussions concerning hostages. The official underscored that Sinwar has never participated directly in these negotiations. “Our Prime Minister said it publicly on record: we have never had any relationship or communication with Sinwar historically. It was always Al-Hayah who engaged in the technical negotiations, not Sinwar,” the diplomat stated. Khalil Al-Hayah, a prominent figure within Hamas, has played a crucial role in the organization’s diplomatic endeavors, facilitating ceasefire discussions and negotiations with external parties. The Qatari diplomat elaborated on the role of Ismail Haniyeh, a senior Hamas leader, stating, “Haniyeh was involved in previous negotiations, but it was always Al-Hayah who managed the technical side of things.” Although Haniyeh had considerable influence before his assassination during a visit to Tehran in July 2024, his contribution to the recent negotiations was notably limited. The Qatari diplomat also emphasized that the mediation team has not engaged with the families of hostages held by Hamas, refuting a recent report that suggested otherwise. “I checked with all the Qatari mediation team members. None of us had a meeting with the hostages’ family members, neither this week nor last week,” the official stated, addressing claims that Sinwar had ceased communication and was hiding among hostages. “What was mentioned in the article is simply not true.”
The topic revolves around Qatar’s role as a mediator in conflicts involving Hamas, particularly concerning hostage negotiations. The statements from the Qatari diplomat highlight Qatar’s diplomatic strategy and its preference for unofficial channels of communication through designated representatives rather than direct dialogue with high-ranking Hamas officials. The dynamics of this relationship are critical to understanding the broader implications of hostages’ negotiations and the position of various stakeholders in the Palestinian conflict. The current context is underpinned by recent developments, including the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, which adds complexity to the political landscape of Hamas and its negotiation strategies.
In conclusion, the senior Qatari diplomat reaffirmed that all mediation conduits with Hamas are conducted solely through Khalil Al-Hayah and further distanced Qatar from any direct ties to Yahya Sinwar. This statement addresses misinformation about the nature of Qatar’s mediation efforts, particularly concerning the families of hostages. The clarification speaks to Qatar’s strategic diplomatic approach while underlining the significant roles played by key Hamas figures in negotiations.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
