Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurrahman Al Thani, revealed that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s advisers have indicated Trump wants a prisoner swap deal in Gaza finalized before he assumes office on January 20.
In an interview with Sky News, Al Thani referred to Trump’s warning that “all hell will break loose” if hostages are not returned by his inauguration. The Qatari leader stated, “We hope this statement will resonate and be communicated to both sides. Trump’s team has expressed urgency, aiming to resolve the matter even today.”
Al Thani emphasized Qatar’s commitment to stabilizing Gaza and restoring regional security but acknowledged that Doha temporarily suspended its mediation efforts last month—a pause that remains in place. This statement seemingly contradicts remarks by President Joe Biden, who recently claimed that Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey were continuing mediation.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and The Times of Israel both corroborated Trump’s interest in brokering a hostage deal, with Graham highlighting Trump’s goal of completing the negotiations before returning to the White House.
Addressing criticism over Hamas’s office in Doha, Al Thani defended its existence as “transparent and coordinated.” He explained that the office serves as a negotiation platform, created with the involvement of Israel and the United States. Highlighting Qatar’s mediating role, Al Thani remarked, “109 prisoners have been reunited with their families through this office, not by military force, but thanks to negotiations.”
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz expressed optimism about a prisoner exchange with Hamas, stating, “This time, we have a real chance.” Similarly, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar noted progress toward an agreement, though he refrained from providing details.
Egypt has also played a role, with Foreign Minister Abdelatty facilitating consultations between Hamas and Fatah regarding prisoner exchanges and a ceasefire agreement.
An Israeli delegation is set to visit Cairo next week to discuss an Egyptian-proposed prisoner exchange deal. According to Israel’s Channel 12, the initial phase includes a temporary ceasefire lasting 45 to 60 days, the gradual release of prisoners and Palestinian detainees, and the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, administered by the Palestinian Authority.
This phase would enable a significant flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, uncertainties remain about bridging gaps between Israeli and Hamas positions as the proposal progresses.
Reports indicate that 101 Israeli prisoners remain in Gaza. Families of the captives have criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for not doing enough to secure a prisoner exchange.
