Hamas would need to locate dozens of hostages held in Gaza by other groups in order to secure an extension of the current truce, the Qatari prime minister has said, in an interview with the Financial Times.
Many of those kidnapped in the 7 October attacks are being held by Hamas, but groups including Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which also participated, are believed to be holding some.
The pause in fighting is due to end on Monday, but Hamas has said it is seeking an extension and would be willing to release more hostages in return. Qatar has been acting as a key mediator in negotiations between the group and Israel.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman said more than 40 women and children are thought to be being held by groups besides Hamas and that “we don’t yet have any clear information [about] how many they can find”.
“One of the purposes [of the pause] is they [Hamas] will have time to search for the rest of the missing people,” he said. “If they get additional women and children, there will be an extension.”
Asked about the possibility that some hostages were being held by other groups at a media briefing today, President Biden said: “We think there are probably other militant groups but we are not certain.”
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
- President Commissions 36.5 Million Dollars Hospital In The Tain District
- You Will Not Go Free For Killing An Hard Working MP – Akufo-Addo To MP’s Killer
- I Will Lead You To Victory – Ato Forson Assures NDC Supporters
Visit Our Social Media for More
About Author
