Hamas delivers 'positive' response on hostage deal, Qatari PM says

WASHINGTON — Qatar has received a “positive” response from Hamas on a proposed framework for a hostage deal with Israel, the Qatari prime minister announced Tuesday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said he was “optimistic” after the Palestinian militant group provided its feedback on a proposal to release the remaining Gaza Strip hostages in exchange for a prolonged pause in the fighting.

“The reply includes some comments, but in general it is positive,” Al Thani told reporters in a press briefing alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha. 

Qatar delivered Hamas’ response to Israel and hopes to see a finalized deal “very soon,” he said.