Israel's assassination of Hamas leader 'complicates negotiations', Qatar FM tells captives' families

Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met with the families of six Israeli and American captives in Doha on Saturday, Israeli media reported.

During the meeting, Al Thani informed the families that Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Saleh al-Arouri has complicated negotiations for the release of captives.

According to the Hebrew website Walla, which cited an unnamed senior Qatari source, the Qatari prime minister mentioned that he faces difficulties in communicating with both Hamas and Israel to reach a new deal.

The Qatari prime minister reportedly assured the families of his personal commitment to continuing efforts toward a new agreement for the release of captives and that he will persist, despite the challenges.

The website added that the families had previously met with Qatari Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khulaifi, who leads the Qatari talks with Hamas and Israel as part of efforts to reach a new deal.

Al Khulaifi was one of the key figures behind the temporary ceasefire agreement, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of Palestinian and Israeli prisoners.

"Qatari efforts speak for themselves, as Qatari mediation has so far contributed to the release of 110 Israeli detainees," the unnamed Qatari official was quoted by Walla as saying.

However, he also stressed that "Qatar is a mediator and does not control Hamas's actions".

"We must maintain communication channels with Hamas, which have proven effective in negotiations leading to the previous deal. There is more work to be done, and we are committed to continuing for as long as necessary," the official said.

Hamas negotiators, including Arouri, had been in Qatar-mediated talks with Israel over a possible further ceasefire in the war and prospects for further releases of Israeli hostages.