Qatar has been making utmost efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, especially those trapped in Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip since October last year. The priority for Qatar has been to achieve a pause in the fighting which leads to release of detainees on both sides and delivery of humanitarian aid to the population.
Qatar hosted talks last week aimed at bridging the gaps and overcoming obstacles in the way of a ceasefire agreement. The talks were constructive and held in a positive atmosphere, according to a joint statement issued by Qatar, the US and Egypt as mediators. In the Doha talks, the US with support from Egypt and Qatar, presented to both parties a bridging proposal that is consistent with the principles laid out by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and Security Council Resolution No. 2735. Senior officials from the three countries are due to meet again in Cairo this week with the aim to conclude the deal.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani held a phone call with US Secretary of State H E Antony Blinken yesterday and discussed the developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories, along with the joint mediation efforts to end the war. Blinken also visited Doha on Tuesday as part of his latest visit to the region. He held talks with Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi.
As the mediation efforts are underway, Israel continues its unrelenting attacks against Palestinians. Its military campaign has killed at least 40,223 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. A UN official said death “seems to be the only certainty” for Gaza’s 2.4 million people, with no way to escape Israel’s bombardment. “Absolutely nowhere is safe,” Louise Wateridge, a spokeswoman for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), told AFP from Gaza.
Israeli offensive has not spared civilians and civilian infrastructure including schools and hospitals. Gaza’s civil defence agency said yesterday that two people were killed and 10 children injured in the latest Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter.
In recent weeks, the Israeli military has struck several schools across Gaza. Tens of thousands of displaced people have taken refuge in schools since the war broke out on October 7.
As the leaders of Qatar, US and Egypt have said, “There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages and detainees, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.”
