Qatar will try to convince Hamas to participate in peace talks
Qatar will seek to convince Hamas to participate in Thursday’s peace talks over the war in Gaza, a U.S. State Department official said.
Hamas has so far declined to agree to take part in ceasefire negotiations, which take place amid fears that tensions between Israel and Iran could escalate following Israel’s killing of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh.
“Our partners in Qatar have assured us that they will work to have Hamas represented,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said during a briefing with reporters on Tuesday.
Patel declined to respond to questions about specific demands made by either side but said American efforts are focused on preventing greater violence and ending humanitarian suffering in the region.
“We are working around the clock every day,” Patel said of peace talks. “Everyone in the region should understand that further attacks only perpetuate conflict and instability and insecurity for everyone.”
Patel said the U.S. continues to stand with Israel and will support its ally in the face of any Iranian retaliation for Haniyeh’s death.
“We certainly won’t hesitate to defend Israel as well as our personnel from not just attacks from Iran but from Iranian-backed proxies as well.”
Source: Associated Press
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