Assassination of Hamas leader could affect hostage release negotiations, says Qatari prime minister

The recent assassination of a senior Hamas leader could affect ongoing negotiations to secure the release of hostages held by the radical Islamist group in the Gaza Strip, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani said. .

Israel carried out the attack in Beirut last Tuesday and killed Hamas leader Saleh Al-Arouri, a US official previously told Reuters. CNN . Israel did not claim responsibility for the attack.

At a joint press conference in Doha on Sunday with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Al-Thani was asked whether Arouri's death could impact negotiations to release the more than 100 hostages believed to still be held in Gaza after the October 7th attacks.

“It is clear that the death of one of the main leaders of Hamas is something that could affect such a complicated process,” said Al-Thani.

Qatar played a central role in mediating the hostage negotiations. And despite the challenges, the negotiation process continues, said Al-Thani.

“We are not giving up; we are moving forward. We continue our discussions with the parties and try to reach an agreement as quickly as possible that can bring assistance for humanitarian relief and the release of the hostages,” he said.

Source: CNN Brasil

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