Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani appeared to retract his initial support for President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza, stating in a press briefing that “the plan is in its early stages and needs development.” This shift comes just days after Trump issued a 3-4 day ultimatum to Hamas to accept the deal or face consequences, amid ongoing negotiations to end the 2-year conflict.
Al Thani’s comments, reported by Al Jazeera, suggest Qatar, a key mediator in hostage talks, is pushing for revisions to Trump’s framework, which includes a ceasefire, hostage release, and reconstruction aid. “We appreciate the effort, but it requires more work to be viable,” Al Thani said, without specifying details. Trump’s plan, unveiled last week, demands Hamas’s full surrender and demilitarization, terms the group has rejected as “unrealistic.”
The walk-back has raised concerns about the plan’s viability, with Israeli officials expressing frustration over Qatar’s hedging. “Qatar’s role is crucial, but this delay plays into Hamas’s hands,” a source close to Netanyahu told Reuters. The U.S. State Department has not commented, but Trump’s ultimatum, set to expire October 5, adds urgency to the talks.
