Qatar Committed to Bridging Gaps in Ceasefire Negotiations

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani emphasized that Qatar will continue its mediation efforts to bridge gaps between conflicting parties and achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Speaking at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State H E Antony Blinken, he highlighted the commitment of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to end the war and facilitate a prisoner and hostage exchange.

The Prime Minister urged a clear stance demanding an end to the war, noting that nearly 37,000 people have been killed and 84,000 wounded since its onset, with collective punishment and starvation tactics being used against Gaza's population. He stressed that achieving a ceasefire is crucial for future stability, aiming to end the conflict, alleviate the suffering of Gazans, and secure the release of hostages.

Discussing a recent response from Hamas and other Palestinian factions to a ceasefire and prisoner exchange proposal, he stated that the response is being evaluated, and coordination with relevant parties is ongoing. Secretary Blinken added that while some amendments proposed by Hamas were workable, others were not.

The Prime Minister reiterated Qatar’s active participation in regional and international efforts to unify visions and reach a sustainable solution for the Palestinian issue. He referenced the "Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza" conference, which called for immediate measures to end the conflict and respect international law. He also welcomed the resumption of US air assistance to Gaza.

He emphasized the importance of saving innocent lives and preventing regional collapse, expressing hope that American and Egyptian partners, along with other countries, will pressure all parties to reach an agreement. He pointed out that the conflict has reached a critical juncture requiring sustainable solutions for security and stability in Gaza and the West Bank.

He highlighted the shift in the conflict, with a strong call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and a return to political negotiations, as supported by a US-sponsored UN Security Council resolution. He also praised additional humanitarian aid announced by Secretary Blinken and confirmed Qatar’s ongoing efforts to support Gaza.

Responding to questions, he clarified that Qatar's negotiation efforts involve ongoing give-and-take and are not always definitive. He reaffirmed Qatar's dedication to bridging gaps between parties, with Qatar, Egypt, and the US acting as guarantors to ensure continued negotiations towards a permanent ceasefire.

He explained that maintaining the Hamas office in Doha is to keep communication channels open, stressing Qatar's support for Palestinian rights while maintaining its role as a state rather than a political party. Secretary Blinken acknowledged Qatar’s significant aid contributions and reiterated the US’s continued support for Palestinians, including additional aid announced at a recent conference in Jordan.

Blinken emphasized that a ceasefire is the quickest and most effective way to alleviate suffering, prevent further violence, and potentially transform the truce into a permanent peace, fostering stability and prosperity in the region. He praised Qatar’s consistent role in mediation efforts for hostages' release.

 

Source: The Peninsula Qatar