Kushner and Witkoff Express Betrayal Over Israel’s Qatar Strikes

The recent airstrikes by Israel targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, Qatar, caused feelings of betrayal among President Donald Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. In an interview with CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Witkoff revealed that the two felt undermined during crucial negotiations with the terrorist group. The strikes, which occurred on September 9, 2023, took place while negotiations were ongoing, raising questions about the timing and implications of Israel’s actions.

Witkoff described their sentiments, stating, “I think both Jared and I felt, I just feel we felt a little bit betrayed.” He emphasized that the airstrikes had a detrimental impact on the negotiations, as they lost the confidence of the Qatari officials essential to the discussions. Kushner added that the Israeli actions seemed “a little bit out of control,” asserting that it was necessary to intervene to prevent actions that were not in Israel’s long-term interests.

The strikes aimed at Hamas leaders who had been orchestrating the group’s operations against Israel, including the horrific attacks on October 7, 2023. According to a statement from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties, employing precision munitions during the operation. Despite these precautions, most Hamas leaders reportedly survived the strikes.

Witkoff learned about the airstrikes the following morning, which he noted complicated the diplomatic efforts. “The attack had a metastasizing effect because the Qataris were critical to the negotiation, as were the Egyptians and the Turks,” he explained. The aftermath led to Hamas going underground, significantly hindering efforts to engage with them.

Following the airstrikes, Khalil al-Hayya, one of the Hamas officials who survived, met with Witkoff and Kushner in Egypt. This meeting aimed to solidify a ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10, 2023. The deal resulted in the return of all 20 living hostages held in Gaza to Israel, although 18 bodies remain unreturned.

The interview featuring Witkoff and Kushner is set to be broadcast in full on Sunday, providing further insights into the dynamics of U.S. negotiations with Hamas amid ongoing conflict in the region.