Qatar‘s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, addressed the deadlock in ceasefire discussions for Gaza, attributing it to Israel’s recent operations in Rafah.
These operations, initiated this month, have resulted in the closure of a vital aid crossing from Egypt, intensifying an already dire humanitarian crisis, as noted by humanitarian organizations.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar’s role as a mediator, stating that their efforts are confined to mediation alone. Despite the setback caused by the events in Rafah, he affirmed Qatar’s commitment to continue working towards resolving the conflict.
The Prime Minister highlighted a fundamental divergence between the parties involved, particularly regarding the release of hostages and the cessation of hostilities. He pointed out that one side prioritizes ending the conflict before addressing hostage situations, while the other seeks the release of hostages while continuing the war.
Until there is alignment on these key issues, Sheikh Mohammed indicated, progress towards a resolution remains elusive.
Israel’s actions in Rafah have drawn criticism for exacerbating an already dire situation in Gaza. The closure of the aid crossing has severely limited humanitarian access, hindering efforts to address urgent needs in the region.
Despite the stalemate, Qatar remains committed to its mediation role, seeking to bridge the gap between the conflicting parties and facilitate meaningful dialogue towards a lasting ceasefire and resolution.
