Qatar and Egypt have been the primary mediators in the ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining 101 hostages, with the assistance of the United States. However, talks have stalled since Hamas executed six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, in late August.
The political situation in the U.S. has also complicated negotiations, with the upcoming transition of power following President Biden’s expected departure in January 2025 reducing his administration's influence in such talks.
Hope for renewed negotiations briefly emerged last month after the Israeli assassination of Hamas Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, but Hamas rejected all offers, including a proposed mini-deal intended to build confidence toward a larger exchange.
Hamas official Basem Naim reiterated the group’s stance, saying Hamas is willing to release all captured Israelis in exchange for Hamas prisoners held in Israel. However, Naim emphasized that Hamas demands Israel end the war and withdraw from Gaza completely before it will consider a deal, while Israel has insisted on continuing its military operations.
In response to this deadlock, Qatar suspended its participation in the negotiations, citing a lack of seriousness from both sides. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that Qatar had asked Hamas leadership to leave the country, a move the U.S. has viewed as a necessary pressure tactic to advance a deal.
Speculation about Turkey's potential involvement arose after reports from KAN News indicated that some Hamas leaders had relocated to Turkey. However, a Turkish diplomatic source dismissed these reports, clarifying that Hamas members only occasionally visit Turkey, and the group's political office remains in Qatar.
As a NATO member, Turkey has been a vocal critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon and does not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization. Several Hamas political officials frequently visit Turkey. Earlier in the conflict, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had offered to mediate between Israel and Hamas, but the strained relations between Ankara and Jerusalem make it unlikely that Israel would accept Turkey in such a role.
