Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on ⁢Saturday, February 17, 2024, that the removal of⁢ Hamas leaders residing in ‍Qatar is a critical condition for securing the release of all hostages and achieving a cessation of hostilities in Gaza. this statement signals ⁤a hardening of Israel’s position regarding negotiations.

the Prime Minister’s comments followed a targeted operation by Israel on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, against Hamas leadership figures located ⁢in Doha, Qatar. Details of the operation remain limited, but confirm⁣ a direct⁢ attempt ⁢to ⁢disrupt the group’s command structure.

Reporting on ⁣the situation comes from Reuters, with contributions from Jaidaa Taha and Ahmed Tolba,⁤ and editing by Peter Graff.⁤ The ongoing conflict in gaza continues to be a major international ⁢concern, with diplomatic efforts focused ‍on securing a ceasefire and the return of hostages.