Qatari Diplomat Denies Contact with Hamas Leader Sinwar, Emphasizes Al-Hayah’s Role in Mediation
A senior Qatari diplomat has denied claims of direct contact with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, stating that mediation is conducted through Khalil Al-Hayah. The diplomat clarified no meetings with families of hostages had taken place, contradicting media reports about Sinwar’s alleged communications.
A senior diplomat from Qatar has categorically denied any allegations of direct communication with Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas. In an exclusive interview with The Jerusalem Post, the diplomat stated that Qatar’s mediation efforts regarding the current hostage crisis are conducted solely through representatives from Hamas’s political office located in Doha. The diplomat asserted, “Khalil Al-Hayah has been leading negotiations on behalf of Hamas since day one,” making it clear that Sinwar is not involved in any direct discussions. The diplomat further emphasized that Qatar has historically maintained no relationship with Sinwar, with the Prime Minister publicly supporting this stance. “It was always Al-Hayah who engaged in the technical negotiations, not Sinwar,” they stated. Khalil al-Hayah, identified as a senior political figure within Hamas, has played a vital role in the group’s diplomatic engagements, particularly during ceasefire talks and negotiations amid the ongoing crisis. Notably, while Ismail Haniyeh, a former leadership figure within Hamas, participated in earlier negotiations, his impact had diminished prior to his assassination in July 2024 during a visit to Tehran. The Qatari diplomat also addressed recent media reports indicating that a member of the Qatari mediation team had met with families of hostages held by Hamas, stating, “I checked with all the Qatari mediation team members. None of us had a meeting with the hostages’ family members, neither this week nor last week.” This statement directly contradicts claims suggesting that Sinwar has ceased communication and is now hiding among the hostages, labeling such assertions as completely false.
In recent discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict and hostage crisis involving Hamas, Qatar has assumed the role of a mediator. There have been various claims regarding the nature of Qatar’s communications with Hamas leaders, most notably Yahya Sinwar. The accuracy of these claims has significant implications for the peace process and the welfare of hostages. Our understanding of the intricacies of these negotiations and the key figures involved is essential for contextualizing the statements made by Qatari officials.
In summary, the senior Qatari diplomat has strongly refuted the claims of direct communication with Yahya Sinwar. The emphasis on Khalil Al-Hayah’s leadership in negotiations underscores Qatar’s mediation strategy, which does not involve Sinwar. The assurance that no meetings have occurred between the Qatari mediation team and hostages’ families further clarifies the official position of Qatar amidst circulating rumors. Through this discourse, the diplomat reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to its mediation efforts based on established protocols and communication channels.
Original Source: www.jpost.com
