Adnan Hayajneh, a professor in international relations at Qatar University, said Hamas finds itself in a “good position” right now due to US pressure to get the captives back as soon as possible.

“Trump promised people and wants to deliver on that promise. That’s why he’s given this important mission to Steve Witcoff who has a good record. He’s a friend of Trump, and he achieved the first ceasefire, and a lot of people are counting on him to reach an agreement,” Hayajneh told Al Jazeera.

He added that despite talks of the self-determination of Palestinians, those in Gaza are missing their basic needs with no food and no water in the enclave due to Israel’s widespread attacks.

“Maybe after the meeting that will be held here in Doha there will be an agreement to at least relieve the Palestinian people [of] their humanitarian needs,” he explained.