By Ibrahim al-Khazen
DOHA, Qatar (AA) – Qatar’s prime minister welcomed as “positive” a response by Palestinian group Hamas to a framework deal for a possible new cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and hostage swap with Israel.
“We received Hamas’ response to the framework agreement,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told a joint press conference in Doha with visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is touring the region to push for a cease-fire.
“The Hamas response contains notes, but is generally positive,” he added.
On Jan. 28, a meeting was held in Paris with the participation of Israel, the US, Egypt and Qatar to discuss a three-stage deal involving a hostage swap and a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, according to Palestinian and American sources.
Israel estimates there are approximately 136 Israeli hostages in Gaza while it holds at least 8,800 Palestinians in its prisons, according to sources from both sides, although there is no confirmation of the final numbers from either party.