Qatar creates dangerous delays to Gaza hostage talks

The friends and family of those believed to be held captive by Hamas are growing increasingly concerned for their safety after hundreds of airstrikes on the territory in the past ten days

The lack of direct relations between Qatar and Israel is causing dangerous delays in negotiations to release the 199 prisoners held by Hamas in Gaza as a ground assault looms, according to sources with knowledge of the talks.

Gershon Baskin, a mediator who negotiated the release of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit from Hamas captivity in 2011, said that diplomats were losing critical time because the terrorist group deals only with Qatar, which then conveys messages to Israel via the US.

Click here to read the original interview on The Times website.