Against the backdrop of ongoing talks for a hostage deal, Israel’s Strategic Affairs Minister and head of the negotiating team, Ron Dermer, held a phone conversation over the weekend with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to a report Tuesday evening on the Walla news site. In addition, Channel 12 Newsreported that Hamas is currently drafting a new proposal based on the Witkoff framework for a hostage deal.
First-Time Direct Contact Between Dermer and Qatar’s Prime Minister
According to a source familiar with the matter, Dermer and Al Thani discussed advancing a hostage deal and a potential ceasefire in Gaza. This marks the first time Dermer has spoken directly with Qatar’s prime minister since his appointment as Israel’s chief negotiator.
A well-informed source said the conversation aimed to break the communication silence between the parties, which he described as “a broken telephone.” It also aimed to ensure that Al Thani fully understood Israel’s position before engaging with senior Hamas leaders in Doha.
Hamas Drafting New Proposal for Hostage Deal
According to reports, Hamas is now working on a revised declaration based on the Witkoff framework.
Last weekend, Hamas signaled a willingness to discuss the details of the Witkoff framework, but in practice presented additional demands: a prolonged ceasefire, cancellation of the newly established humanitarian aid mechanism, and a full withdrawal of IDF forces.
Israeli officials believe this is an attempt by Hamas to buy time and avoid appearing uncooperative in the eyes of the international community. According to Israeli sources, applying American pressure on Qatar could help drive Hamas toward an agreement.
Israel continues its policy of negotiating under fire and has not sent a delegation to Doha at this stage. According to IDF sources, the combination of ongoing military pressure and a shift in humanitarian aid delivery—now managed independently of Hamas—is beginning to take effect and undermine the group’s control in the Strip.
In a statement to the media today, IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari emphasized: “Hamas’s grip on governance is weakening, cracking, and beginning to collapse.”
