On Sunday, Qatar’s prime minister stated that the key obstacles hindering a deal for the release of hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7 attack on Israel were now “very minor” and primarily related to practical and logistical issues.
This follows a Washington Post report suggesting a deal for the release of 50 hostages had been agreed upon, a claim denied by the White House.
Qatari mediators had previously sought a deal between Israel and Hamas, aiming to exchange 50 hostages for a three-day ceasefire. While general outlines were agreed upon, detailed negotiations were still ongoing.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani expressed confidence that a deal was close, emphasizing that the remaining challenges were practical and logistical.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that no deal had been reached yet, while Sheikh Mohammed highlighted ongoing efforts and progress in recent days during communications with both Israelis and Hamas.
FIA Arrests Five In Human Smuggling Ring: Illegal Detentions And Extortion Unveiled
Meanwhile, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has apprehended five individuals, namely Khizar Hayat, Farasat Ali, Shaukat Ali, Zain Ahmed, and Hassan Tariq, on charges related to human smuggling.
These suspects are accused of orchestrating illegal detentions of citizens abroad and extorting money from their families.
The arrests were carried out in various locations within Gujranwala and Gujrat districts, as confirmed by FIA officials.
Khizar Hayat, one of the arrested individuals, allegedly received 1.13 million rupees from a citizen to facilitate their travel abroad. Subsequently, the victim was unlawfully detained in Iran and subjected to physical abuse.
Videos of the torture were then used to coerce the victim’s family into paying an additional 9,25,000 rupees in extortion money, according to FIA statements.
Another accused, Farasat Ali, has been taken into custody for his involvement in extorting over 9.3 million rupees in collaboration with others.
