Turkey and Qatar Drive Hamas-Israel Agreement, Seeking US Pressure on Israel

Middle East analyst Yoni Ben Menachem revealed that Turkey and Qatar are orchestrating a behind-the-scenes effort to advance an agreement between Hamas and Israel. According to Ben Menachem, these countries aim to involve Washington in pressuring Israel to implement the deal. Preparations have already begun in Gaza, where Hamas is registering and storing weapons in anticipation of the agreement's enforcement. Committees have been formed to catalog Hamas's arms and identify storage locations, with these preparations expected to conclude within 14 days, after which pressure on Israel will intensify.

Ben Menachem explained that Turkey and Qatar plan to hold a meeting in Cairo, followed by an appeal to the US administration to pressure Israel. Their main concern is that the right-wing government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might not take any steps on the agreement before Israel's elections at the end of October. The analyst emphasized that the ultimate goal is to push the US, specifically former President Donald Trump, to exert influence on Israel to begin implementing the deal.

Despite some optimism in Israel, Ben Menachem expressed skepticism that Hamas will disarm, noting that the issue extends beyond Hamas to include other groups like Islamic Jihad in Gaza, which has also opposed the peace council's agreement. This raises questions about who would disarm these factions. The report highlights the complex regional dynamics involving Turkey, Qatar, Hamas, Israel, and the US in the ongoing conflict and peace efforts.