Qatar diligently working towards Gaza Ceasefire

Smoke rises over Gaza on January 18, 2024 as fighting continues

Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Qatar is actively working around the clock to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza. Both parties have put forward various proposals as part of the ongoing negotiation process.

“I cannot comment on the details of ongoing negotiations between both sides. Mediation efforts are in full force ... we are exchanging ideas with both sides on the proposals presented,” he said in a press conference held yesterday.

“We are working round the clock. We are keeping focus on the mediation process itself without commenting on media reports coming about proposals whether they are correct or false. Negotiations are taking place; they didn’t stop. Both sides are talking; they are engaging. We are hopeful that will lead to something.”He said that the situation on the ground is fluid.

“Escalation taking place always affects the ongoing mediation process. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is also turning dire with every passing day.”To a question, he said that Qatar is engaged in serious discussions with both sides. “We are getting ideas from both sides. Statements like not accepting a two-state solution, not stopping war and also about the displacement of Palestinians complicate the negotiations and affect the mediation process. Communication cut in Gaza also had an impact on the talks,” he added.

He emphasized that Qatar has cautioned against discussing the potential new displacement of Palestinians, drawing attention to the historical 70 years of Palestinian displacement. In communications with international parties, there is a strong emphasis on delivering a clear message to the Israeli occupation that any new displacement of Palestinians will not be accepted.

Furthermore, Al Ansari highlighted ongoing Qatari humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. A plane was dispatched to evacuate the ninth batch of wounded individuals from Gaza, part of an initiative led by H H the Amir to treat 1,500 wounded.

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the French, Italian, and Egyptian sides, has successfully evacuated over 500 people, including residents, special cases, the wounded, and their companions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the success of Qatar's mediation, in partnership with the friendly French Republic, in reaching an agreement between Israel and Hamas.

The agreement involves the entry of medicines and a shipment of humanitarian aid to civilians in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the most affected and damaged areas. In return, the necessary medicines will be delivered to detainees in the Strip.

Source: The Peninsula