Hamas Accuses Netanyahu of Sabotaging Doha Talks as Gaza Bombardment Intensifies
With no real negotiations since Saturday, Hamas says Israel’s delegation in Qatar is a deceptive tactic. Meanwhile, Gaza remains under siege with no aid deliveries and continued airstrikes.
Watan-On Tuesday evening, Hamas declared that the Israeli delegation in Doha has not engaged in any serious negotiations since last Saturday, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of deliberately prolonging the delegation’s stay without any genuine progress. This confirms a report earlier today by Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, citing a senior Hamas official.
The official told the outlet that the Israeli delegation has made no contact with the Qatari or Egyptian mediators since Saturday and has done nothing during its time in Doha, despite the round of talks being described as crucial—either to finalize an agreement or escalate Israel’s war of annihilation.
The official added that the talks are stalled because Netanyahu refuses to make any move toward a ceasefire in Gaza, a position that benefits from apparent American complicity. Hamas, in contrast, has shown significant flexibility regarding proposals for releasing Israeli prisoners—alive or dead—if such proposals include a clear commitment to ending the war.
Hamas: No Aid Trucks Entered Gaza
Hamas also criticized the continued presence of the Israeli delegation in Doha, stating it lacks the authority to finalize any deal and calling it a ploy by Netanyahu to mislead international public opinion and falsely portray engagement in negotiations. In its statement, the group dismissed Netanyahu’s recent remarks about allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza as a “smoke screen,” asserting that not a single aid truck has entered the Strip—including those that reached the Kerem Shalom crossing but were not received by any international entity.
Hamas condemned the simultaneous intensification of Israeli attacks on Gaza’s civilian infrastructure and the release of American-Israeli prisoner Edan Alexander while negotiations are ongoing in Doha. The group said these actions expose Netanyahu’s rejection of any settlement and reaffirm his commitment to war and destruction. It placed full responsibility on the Israeli government for the collapse of negotiation efforts, citing statements from Israeli officials vowing to continue aggression and displacement.
Despite these setbacks, Hamas expressed appreciation for the mediators’ efforts and reiterated its willingness to positively engage with any proposal that includes an end to hostilities, Israeli withdrawal, lifting the blockade, aid entry, and the reconstruction of war-damaged areas.
Netanyahu was reportedly pressured—both internally and by the U.S.—to send a delegation to Doha after the direct talks between Hamas and Washington that led to the release of Edan Alexander. However, the move is now widely viewed as a political maneuver aimed at deflecting external pressure rather than a genuine attempt to reach an agreement.
Israeli Delegation’s Legitimacy Questioned
On Monday, Israeli channel KAN 11 cited a senior Israeli official who admitted: “We’re staying in Doha so as not to embarrass the U.S. It wouldn’t look good if Israel left before Hamas.” Israeli sources also said that the delegation, composed of senior officials, lacks the mandate to explore alternatives beyond the proposal by U.S. envoy Steven Weitzkopf, limiting the scope of negotiations despite no breakthroughs.
KAN also reported that Netanyahu is considering withdrawing the Israeli delegation from Doha on Tuesday if no progress is made, although a small task force may remain to continue the discussions.
Earlier today, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani remarked: “We thought the release of Edan Alexander would mark the end of Gaza’s tragedy, but the response was intensified bombing.” He noted that recent ceasefire negotiations in Doha have failed due to deep-rooted disagreements between the parties, warning that continued Israeli bombardment of Gaza is destroying any chance for peace.
