President Donald Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, expressed feelings of betrayal regarding Israel’s airstrikes that targeted senior Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, while negotiations with the group were still underway. Witkoff shared these sentiments during an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” stating that both he and Kushner felt that Israel’s actions undermined their diplomatic efforts.
Witkoff described the situation, saying, “I think both Jared and I felt, I just feel we felt a little bit betrayed.” He elaborated on Kushner’s perspective, noting that Trump was concerned about Israel’s approach, which he believed was becoming increasingly aggressive and counterproductive to long-term peace interests. The airstrikes, which occurred on September 9, 2023, had significant implications, particularly given that Qatar was a key player in the negotiations with Hamas.
Impact on Negotiations
The strikes reportedly had a “metastasizing effect” on the negotiations, according to Witkoff. He emphasized that losing the confidence of the Qatari negotiators was detrimental, as they, along with Egyptian and Turkish representatives, were essential to the discussions. Following the airstrikes, Hamas leaders went underground, making it increasingly difficult for negotiators to reach them.
Witkoff learned of the airstrikes the morning after they occurred. The operation, conducted by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet), aimed to eliminate individuals responsible for orchestrating attacks against Israel, including the deadly assault on October 7, 2023. The IDF stated that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, including the use of precision munitions.
Despite the operation’s intent, it is believed that most Hamas leaders survived the strikes. Following the incident, one of the targeted officials, Khalil al-Hayya, met with Witkoff and Kushner in Egypt to finalize a ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, 2023.
Aftermath of the Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire deal included significant developments, with all 20 hostages held in Gaza returning to Israel. However, there are still 18 bodies that have yet to be returned. The negotiations around this agreement reflect the complexities and challenges faced by diplomats working in such a volatile region.
The full interview with Witkoff and Kushner is set to air on Sunday, providing further insights into their perspectives on the situation. As tensions continue in the region, the ramifications of these airstrikes and the subsequent negotiations remain critical to understanding the ongoing conflict and the efforts for peace.
