Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has said both Hamas and Israel have been counterproductive over reaching a ceasefire deal.
He said this when asked about Israel and Hamas’ commitment to the current proposal at a joint news conference with U.S Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.
The Qatari Prime Minister said that both sides need to have pressure put on them to reach an agreement.
After Blinken placed much of the onus on Hamas for the war dragging out, Al Thani noted that Israel’s invasion of Rafah along with “contradicting statements from different Israeli officials” and argued that they, therefore, demonstrate the need to pressure Israel as well.
He asserted that the current proposal for a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory is the best way to bridge gaps between the two sides.
He added, “We are witnessing a shift in this conflict in the recent period and there is a clear and firm call to end this war.”
“It is frustrating, lots of times. We have seen the behaviour from both parties on different occasions being counterproductive to the efforts. While we are respecting our role as mediator, we are trying our best not to consider ourselves as, you know, as a party of that conflict.
“What we are aiming for is one specific goal is to end the war, to end the suffering of the people, to get the hostages back. And then we wll think about the day after. That will remain our main focus. We are not going to give up on that vision.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
Also, Al Thani stated that negotiators have discussed the response received from Hamas on the ceasefire proposal.
“We are examining the details of this proposal and response. Qatar, Egypt and the US are committed in their partnership to bring this war to an end and to strike a swap deal between Palestinian detainees and the Israeli captives,” he said.
“Within this context, we commend the concerted efforts by the US represented by Blinken and the efforts that were reflected in the formulation of the proposal that bring the views of both the parties to a common ground.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
He added that they are seeking to offer compromises so “a permanent solution is reached.”
Al Thani Calls For Permanent Solution
Moreover, the Qatari Prime Minister emphasised the need for a “permanent solution” to the Gaza war rather than simply “temporary measures.”
He also said that a “just solution” should lead towards the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Such a state should live “side by side” with Israel in peace and security, he said.
Pressed whether Qatar will consider closing Hamas’s office in Doha, Al Thani reiterated that the bureau was established to create a channel of communication with the terror group.
“Until now, this reason is valid, and we are using this as a communication channel,” he continued.
“Our interest as a country is to see peace and stability in the region. It doesn’t be that we are endorsing one party over another. Our policy is very clear — it’s supporting the Palestinian people and their rights, but at the end of the day, we are a state, we are not a political party.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
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