Israel says Hamas distrust hampers hostage talks after airstrike in Qatar

Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Hamas has “no shred of trust” in Israel or the United States and stressed that the future of the talks now rests largely in American hands. Washington is reportedly working on an initiative to revive the stalled negotiations, while Qatar, despite its harsh condemnation of the strike, has signaled willingness to continue as mediator.

The Sept. 9 airstrike, code-named Operation Summit of Fire, targeted a gathering of Hamas leaders who were discussing a U.S. ceasefire and hostage release proposal. IDF and Shin Bet officials said those present were directly involved in planning the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and managing the ongoing war. Qatar denounced the strike as a violation of its sovereignty and international law.

Hamad, speaking to Al Jazeera this week, described hearing “12 missiles fall in under a minute” and credited divine intervention for survival. He and El Nounou accused Israel of trying to crush the Palestinian cause, while warning Arab states to stand against Israeli actions.

Saudi-owned newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported that several members of Hamas’s political bureau were injured, including one critically, and are being treated at a private hospital under heavy security. Their identities were not disclosed.

Despite its failure to eliminate the entire Hamas leadership, Israeli officials said the operation rattled the group and may discourage leaders from remaining in Qatar. “In that sense, it was a strategic achievement,” one official said.

For now, the future of the hostage negotiations remains uncertain. Israeli officials insist Hamas is weakened and wary, while U.S. and Qatari mediators try to keep the talks alive amid deep mistrust.