Witkoff and Kushner Express Betrayal Over Israeli Strikes in Qatar

Negotiations between the United States and Hamas were significantly impacted by Israeli airstrikes targeting senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar. In an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed feelings of betrayal regarding the strikes that occurred on September 9, 2023. Witkoff, alongside Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump’s senior advisor, noted that the airstrikes undermined the ongoing negotiations with Hamas.

Witkoff stated, “I think both Jared and I felt a little bit betrayed.” He emphasized that the airstrikes created a sense of chaos, suggesting that the actions taken by Israel were not aligned with the broader objectives of the negotiations. Kushner echoed these sentiments, remarking that he believed the Israeli government was acting “a little bit out of control” and that a more measured approach was necessary to align with their long-term interests.

The airstrikes were aimed at key Hamas leaders who had been orchestrating operations against Israel and were implicated in the October 7 massacre. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the operation aimed to minimize civilian casualties through the use of precision munitions. Despite these efforts, it is reported that most Hamas leaders survived the strikes.

Witkoff recalled learning about the attacks the following morning, highlighting the detrimental impact on diplomatic efforts. “The attack had a metastasizing effect because the Qataris were critical to the negotiation, as were the Egyptians and the Turks,” he explained. The strikes led to a loss of confidence among Qatari officials, complicating the negotiation landscape.

The aftermath of the strikes saw Hamas leaders retreating underground, which made communication and negotiation exceedingly difficult. Witkoff elaborated on the challenges posed by this development, noting that it hindered efforts to engage with Hamas effectively.

In a related development, Khalil al-Hayya, one of the Hamas officials who survived the attack, subsequently met with Witkoff and Kushner in Egypt. This meeting aimed to solidify a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10, 2023. As part of this deal, all 20 living hostages held in Gaza were returned to Israel, although 18 bodies of deceased hostages remain unaccounted for.

The complete interview with Witkoff and Kushner is set to air on Sunday, providing further insights into the complexities surrounding U.S. diplomatic efforts in the region. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about stability and peace in the Middle East.