ISTANBUL
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan said Friday that Israel’s attempt to assassinate the group’s negotiating delegation in Qatar was a “direct shot” at the US president’s proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
“The assassination attempt on the delegation is a direct shot at (US) President (Donald) Trump’s proposal. If the Israelis accept it, they should listen to Hamas’ response, not bomb Doha and the meeting site.”
He added that Israel’s refusal to reply to the mediators’ proposal on Aug. 18 “was a clear coup against the negotiation track and the possibility of reaching a settlement to halt the aggression on Gaza and secure the release of prisoners.”
Hamdan noted: “We await the outcome of efforts and contacts by Qatar and Egypt to see if there is genuine American intent to pressure Israel toward a final ceasefire.”
He stressed that “diplomatic efforts led by Egypt and Qatar were on several occasions close to achieving progress, but the occupation government thwarted them with either assassinations or fresh aggression in Gaza, the latest being the attack on Doha.”
“Nevertheless, Qatar and Egypt have demonstrated a high ability to absorb the occupation’s shocks and move forward, because what is required is to stop the aggression and put an end to the rogue entity (Israel) that destabilizes the region’s security,” he said.
Hamdan praised the “important” efforts of Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani in Washington, expressing hope that the US would respond positively.
Israel targeted a residential compound on Tuesday that was housing Hamas leaders in Doha. Five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer were killed in the attack. Israel claimed responsibility.
Qatar condemned the strike as “state terrorism,” affirming its right to respond to the assault
The attack came despite Qatar’s mediation role, alongside Egypt, with US involvement, in indirect talks between Hamas and Israel to reach a prisoner exchange and ceasefire deal in Gaza.
Israel estimates that 48 of its nationals are held in Gaza, including 20 who are alive. More than 10,800 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel under harsh conditions of torture, starvation, and medical neglect, with many deaths reported, according to Palestinian and Israeli rights groups and media.
Hamas has repeatedly affirmed its readiness to release all Israeli captives “in one batch” in exchange for ending the war of extermination, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza and freeing Palestinian prisoners. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, wanted by international justice, has stalled by insisting on continuing the occupation of Gaza.