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Following Qatar’s decision to halt mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, Eyal Ofer, an expert on Hamas’s economic activities, has proposed that Israel should engage directly with the groups holding Israeli hostages in Gaza, bypassing Hamas entirely.
In an interview with Maariv, Ofer emphasized that the cessation of Qatari involvement could offer Israel a new opportunity to alter the course of the negotiations.
He suggested that Egypt, which has maintained a strategic interest and active intelligence network regarding Gaza, could play a more pivotal role in facilitating talks.
“Geographically, Egypt is closer to the Gaza Strip, and they have very active and sophisticated intelligence services that gather critical information and maintain contacts with various factions in Gaza.
They are particularly concerned about Hamas,” Ofer said, noting that Egypt could now assume a more central role in the discussions surrounding hostage releases. “Egypt has both the capability and the interest to step up,” he added.
The Qatari government, which had previously served as a mediator between Israel and Hamas, announced a suspension of its efforts to broker a ceasefire or facilitate the release of Israeli hostages.
This move has raised questions about the true motivations behind Qatar’s involvement in Gaza’s political dynamics. Ofer expressed skepticism regarding Qatar’s intentions, saying, “The question is whether the Qatari statement is merely for show or if they are truly serious. It seems to me that they mainly want to express their dissatisfaction with all sides.”
Ofer also pointed out that Qatar’s influence might not be as significant as previously thought.
“We’ll have to wait and see whether Qatar applies real pressure on Hamas, whether by expelling Hamas members from Doha or cutting off the flow of funds,” he said. “I think it’s too early to tell if they are really serious.”
In light of the changing diplomatic landscape, Ofer proposed that Israel could take a more direct approach to negotiating the return of hostages.
He suggested offering incentives, such as financial compensation and immunity from prosecution, to those who return Israeli captives, regardless of whether Hamas is involved in the process.
“Israel has the opportunity to set new conditions, and some may be willing to cooperate,” Ofer explained, though acknowledging that not everyone would be amenable to such a strategy.
This new approach could help shift the dynamic in the hostage negotiations, especially as Israel contemplates its next steps following significant developments, such as the recent elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
Ofer pointed out that Sinwar’s death might open up an opportunity for a resolution to the conflict and an agreement on the hostages.
The broader implications of these discussions remain uncertain, but Ofer’s suggestions mark a shift in strategy that might offer a fresh way forward in addressing the ongoing hostage crisis in Gaza.