In a press conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry, announced yesterday that a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel will come into effect today at 7am, lasting for four days. The State of Qatar, assuming the responsibility for announcing this ceasefire, highlights its pivotal role as a trusted mediator in the eyes of the involved parties.
Qatar’s role extends beyond that of a mediator; it serves as a fundamental guarantor for the implementation of the agreement. Over more than two decades, Qatar has achieved significant successes in dealing with issues more intricate than the current situation, earning the trust of various parties. Qatar has a history of intervening to halt violence and bloodshed, exemplified by its commitment to addressing the Palestinian situation.
The agreement and its implementation mark a breakthrough and a glimmer of hope amid the challenges posed by Israel in the region. Qatar, along with other concerned nations, is committed to preventing ongoing violations against humanity and international humanitarian law. Emphasizing the priority of women and children in the prisoner exchange process underscores the humanitarian dimension of this initiative, garnering support from countries worldwide that value peace and stability.
If there is a losing party in this deal, it is the extremist and far-right Zionist groups in Israel with a penchant for bloodshed and the destruction of anything not Israeli or Jewish. According to the Official Spokesperson, the initial release will include 13 individuals, comprising women and children, with a total of 50 Israeli hostages to be released over the next four days. Extensive communications have taken place to develop an executive plan ensuring the safe return of the hostages to their final destinations.
The mediation efforts will persist beyond the completion of this agreement. Dr. Al Ansari mentioned that during the four-day truce, data would be collected on remaining hostages, considering the possibility of releasing more hostages, and exploring an extension of the ceasefire.
Qatar hopes that this pause will contribute to creating an opportunity for further initiatives towards achieving a permanent truce and peace. The commitment to maintaining communication channels with all parties demonstrates Qatar’s dedication to providing a safe exit for all hostages and ending the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
But religious extremism in Israel and its government’s adoption of apartheid system and discrimination against the Palestinians and the provision of absolute Western protection for Israel are considered the greatest challenge not only to the Palestinians but to the entire world. Because Israel presents the worst colonial and racist model in the world, therefore it must be confronted and its aggressive practices against the peoples of the region must be stopped.
