Qatar’s top official calls on Israel and Hamas to intensify efforts for a ceasefire deal

A senior Qatari official has called for increased dedication and seriousness from both Israel and Hamas in their ceasefire negotiations, as communicated in recent interviews with Israeli media outlets Haaretz and Kan. These comments surface amid ongoing threats from Israel to launch a ground invasion into Gaza’s Rafah, where many Palestinians are seeking refuge. This situation comes despite international calls for a ceasefire that would secure the release of Israeli hostages and possibly halt the protracted conflict in Gaza.

Qatar has played a significant role as a mediator in the conflict, hosting Hamas’ headquarters and participating alongside the U.S. and Egypt in brokering a temporary halt to hostilities last November. That pause facilitated the release of several hostages. However, subsequent negotiations have failed to yield further truces, leading Qatar to reconsider its mediator role.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, expressed frustration with the political motives driving decisions on both sides, criticizing them for not prioritizing civilian welfare. He revealed that current talks are stalled, with both parties firmly maintaining their positions.

Al-Ansari’s statements were made in Qatar, where Israeli journalists were permitted to conduct interviews despite the lack of formal diplomatic relations between Qatar and Israel. The relationship has been tense, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials criticizing Qatar for its perceived leniency towards Hamas.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian delegation has proposed a “new vision” for a lasting ceasefire, following discussions with Israeli officials. Concurrently, Hamas is considering an Israeli ceasefire proposal that responds to an earlier suggestion by Hamas, focusing on a six-week ceasefire and a prisoner exchange.

The potential Israeli military action in Rafah has drawn international concern due to the significant civilian population there, exacerbating the urgency for a ceasefire agreement. Recent moves by Hamas, including the release of videos of hostages, seem aimed at pressuring Israel into concessions.

As the situation escalates with Israeli military preparations around Rafah, the international community, including U.S. President Joe Biden and other world leaders, continues to press for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. The ongoing war, triggered by a Hamas attack on October 7, has led to substantial casualties on both sides and severe humanitarian repercussions.