US and Israel Push to Revive Hostage Talks After Doha Strike
The US and Israel are intensifying efforts to revive hostage negotiations with Hamas after an Israeli strike in Doha complicated talks with Qatari mediators.
US and Israeli officials are making a renewed push to restart hostage negotiations with Hamas following an Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar on September 17, 2025. The strike, which reportedly failed to kill its intended targets, has strained relations with Qatari mediators and complicated ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza since the October 7th attacks.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in London to discuss strategies for reviving the stalled talks. According to The Jerusalem Post, the US is urging Israel to make diplomatic gestures to restore Qatar's trust and facilitate the resumption of negotiations. American officials believe that talks could restart within the next two weeks if tensions are eased and Qatar re-engages as a mediator.
Hamas Leaders Survive, Signal Openness to Talks
Despite the assassination attempt, senior Hamas officials targeted in the Doha strike, including Ghazi Hamad, have appeared in media interviews, confirming their survival and expressing a willingness to negotiate. Hamad stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that Hamas remains open to discussions but has lost trust in the US as a mediator, citing what he described as a lack of credibility and shifting proposals. He emphasized that any progress on hostage releases would require Israel to agree to a prisoner exchange and halt its military campaign in Gaza.
Tensions and Public Pressure
The aftermath of the Doha strike has heightened diplomatic tensions, with the US pressing Israel to take steps that could win back Qatar's cooperation. Meanwhile, Israeli society remains galvanized by the hostage crisis, with public protests demanding the return of the remaining 48 hostages. The Israeli government has reiterated its commitment to continuing military operations in Gaza until Hamas is stripped of control and the hostages are freed.
As negotiations remain in limbo, both sides are navigating a complex landscape of distrust, public pressure, and international diplomacy. The coming days will be critical in determining whether the US and Israel can successfully revive talks and secure the release of hostages amid ongoing conflict and regional instability.