The recently-achieved ceasefires in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and efforts for a national government in Syria have all been positive steps for stability in the region after almost 15 tumultuous months. As a ripple effect of truce in the Gaza Strip, Houthi group in Yemen has also showed its intention to halt its attacks and has freed the detained crew of the ship Galaxy Leader, who were held since November 2023.
These are all positive developments for the region which has seen unending conflicts and tensions over the past years. While the truce in Lebanon and Gaza is largely holding, bloodshed continues in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli forces have launched a deadly operation in Jenin in the occupied West Bank in recent days which has so far killed at least 10 Palestinians.
Speaking at World Economic Forum at Davos, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani hoped the Gaza ceasefire deal represents a first step toward fostering stability in the region, stressing the importance of the two parties’ commitment to the deal. He said it was important for the two parties to the conflict to show commitment to enforcing this deal. The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs also highlighted that Qatar’s role as a guarantor and mediator entails ensuring the full implementation of all provisions of the deal as stipulated.
Discussing the developments in Syria at another session at Davos, Sheikh Mohammed said the new Syrian administration is taking correct steps and needs help to achieve stability, safeguard the state institutions and secure the essential need for the people of Syria. The Prime Minister said he was optimistic on the future of the Middle East region, where positive developments in recent weeks have come after a difficult and challenging 2024.
There is also renewed hope in Lebanon where a president has been elected and a prime minister named following a two-year vacuum. It is crucial that Israeli forces withdraw from southern Lebanon by the January 26 deadline set to fully implement the ceasefire deal there.
It is imperative to build on the positive momentum and work toward an inclusive national government in Syria which can rebuild the country after years of civil war. It is also vital to uphold the terms of agreements for ceasefire in Lebanon as well as the Gaza Strip, and the global community must launch earnest efforts to find a comprehensive political solution to the Palestine-Israel conflict through a two-state solution.
