Despite Conflict of Interest, Qatar Is Vital to Israel–Hamas Negotiations, Hostage Release: Experts

In a round of negotiations on Nov. 15, Qatari mediators sought a deal between Israel and Hamas. The deal currently under discussion and coordinated with the United States includes the release from Gaza of 50 civilian hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, an official briefed on the negotiations told Reuters. However, the biggest irony of hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas is that they are being facilitated by Qatar, a country that is a home away from home for many Hamas leaders, experts say. They say the small Gulf nation is once again central to Middle East geopolitics because it is vital to determining the fate of the 200 hostages....