Qatar pulls out as broker of key Gaza ceasefire talks
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery US secretary of state Antony Blinken, left, meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha, in October The latest round of talks in mid-October failed to produce a deal, with Hamas rejecting a short-term ceasefire proposal. Former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant accused Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rejecting a peace deal against the advice of his security chiefs. open image in gallery Former Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant accused Netanyahu of rejecting a peace deal Scott Richards, a private negotiator working on behalf of Israeli hostages, told The Independent: “This may be a political move as there are few other venues suitable for Hamas, with the exception of Cairo. “If Hamas are forced to leave Qatar where they are beyond Netanyahu’s reach, they may offer a better deal or accept a shorter ceasefire rather than face the risks that come with the alternatives.” It is thought the personal safety of Hamas leadership is now a major concern for the group, which saw two leaders killed in less than four months.