Qatar becomes a key intermediary in Israel-Hamas war as fate of hostages hangs in the balance

By JON GAMBRELL
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — The gas-rich nation of Qatar has become a key intermediary over the fate of some 200 hostages held by Hamas militants after their unprecedented attack on Israel over two weeks ago. The negotiations have once again put the small Arabian Peninsula country in the spotlight. They have also thrust Qatar into maintaining a delicate international balance as it maintains a relationship with those viewed as militant groups by the West while trying to preserve its close security ties with the United States. Qatar has hosted Hamas’ political office in its capital of Doha for over a decade. The U.S. has praised Qatar for mediating the hostage talks in the latest Israel-Hamas war.