In a recent interview with the Financial Times, Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, raised significant concerns by suggesting that over 40 hostages, including children and women, are currently unaccounted for by Hamas.
This revelation has garnered significant attention and could potentially impact the prospects of a new ceasefire agreement.
According to Jotam Confino, a journalist working together with mulitple news site and media, the situation is deeply troubling and might lead to serious implications for a potential truce.
He speculates that the missing hostages could either be held by Islamic Jihad or might be in the hands of civilians from the Gaza Strip who participated in infiltrating Israel's border on October 7th and are now unable to establish contact with Hamas.
The Israeli government expects that Hamas maintains control over these hostages and ensures their safety.
However, if this proves not to be the case, Confino suggests that Israel might refuse to extend the current ceasefire agreement.
This uncertainty adds to the gravity of the situation, especially as Israel awaits a report from the Red Cross regarding the condition of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip.
As this critical scenario unfolds, the next few hours are expected to be pivotal in determining the outcome and future course of action regarding the ceasefire and the overall tense situation in the region.
