According to a report by The Jerusalem Post, Palestinian-American mediator Bishara Bahbah, who has previously facilitated direct communication between Hamas and the United States, expressed optimism that both Israel and Hamas could still return to the negotiating table, despite recent tensions following the strike in Qatar.
Speaking in an interview with N12, Bahbah highlighted the ongoing challenges in fostering dialogue between the two sides. He placed significant responsibility on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the stalled progress. “He is not interested in ending the war and has no interest in the hostages,” Bahbah said. “Hamas will not surrender. They are waiting for the IDF to enter Gaza.”
Bahbah also discussed his most recent engagement with senior Hamas officials, which took place approximately 45 minutes before the interview. He relayed their perspective on the situation, emphasizing that the group’s trust in the United States has eroded. “They no longer trust the United States. The guarantees Washington is offering mean nothing to them. Trust has been completely broken,” he said. Nevertheless, he stressed that this mistrust does not equate to a refusal to negotiate. “They did not say they are not open to negotiations,” he added.
The mediator noted that the Israeli strike caught Hamas’s political leadership off guard. “Hamas was shocked. They did not believe a negotiating team would be attacked. But I believe they want to end the war. This was confirmed to me just 45 minutes ago,” Bahbah explained. He reassured that, to his knowledge, the strike did not inflict serious casualties on the leadership. “As far as I know, the entire leadership survived,” he said.
Bahbah’s comments underline the fragile and complex nature of diplomatic engagement in the current conflict. Despite the breakdown of trust and heightened tensions, he believes there is still an opportunity to revive negotiations. His insights provide a rare window into Hamas’s stance, suggesting that while the group is wary of external guarantees, it remains open to dialogue.
The mediator’s observations also shed light on the broader dynamics at play, including the role of political decisions in shaping the course of the conflict. With Netanyahu’s approach criticized as disinterested in resolving the hostage situation, Bahbah’s perspective implies that progress will require significant shifts on both sides.
Ultimately, while skepticism and mistrust persist, Bahbah maintains that diplomatic avenues are not closed. The recent developments, including the surprise strike in Qatar, highlight the delicate balance between military action and negotiations. As both parties navigate this tense environment, the mediator’s hope is that renewed talks could eventually lead to a resolution, emphasizing that even in conflict, communication channels remain crucial.
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