Qatar is negotiating the release of ten to fifteen hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip in exchange for a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave, which is under constant siege and bombardment by Israel, according to informed sources.

Qatar conducts the negotiation “in coordination with the United States … to secure the release of 10 to 15 hostages in exchange for a two-day ceasefire“, according; with another source speaking to AFP

Qatar, which hosts the Hamas political office and has provided millions of dollars in economic aid to Gaza, was involved in the negotiation that resulted in the release of four hostages in October: an American woman and her daughter, as well as two Israelis.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdelrahman Al-Thani on Sunday expressed his country’s determination to continue mediation despite the difficulties “caused by the actions of the Israeli occupation.”