Progress made in ongoing Israel-Hamas negotiations regarding hostage release

On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Qatar's Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, addressed the challenges hindering the Israel-Hamas hostage deal, stating that "the challenges that remain in the negotiations are very minor compared to the bigger challenges, they are more logistical, they are more practical."

He emphasized that these remaining issues were "very minor" compared to larger obstacles previously faced. Al Thani, speaking alongside EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, expressed confidence in nearing an agreement to safely repatriate hostages on both sides. "The deal is going through ups and downs from time to time throughout the last few weeks. But I think that you know, I'm now more confident that we are close enough to reach a deal that can bring people safely back to their homes, whether they are the hostages on Hamas side or whatever the exchange that will happen, will take place from the Israeli side," he added.

Since the conflict's outbreak on Oct 7, Qatar has played a pivotal role as a mediator, facilitating talks to free some of the 240 hostages in exchange for a temporary ceasefire. Despite fluctuations in negotiations, four hostages have been released, indicating progress towards a resolution.

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