Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, expressed hope that the talks to end the war in Gaza and reach a deal over the hostage exchange will restart. He said this while speaking at the Doha Forum on Saturday. He added that likely to be resumed next week, following a fresh US engagement.
The Qatari leader said the election of Donald Trump as the U.S. president has resuscitated diplomatic efforts. “We have seen encouragement from the incoming administration to achieve a deal even before President-elect Trump takes office,” Sheikh Mohammed said, adding that Qatar is committed to facilitating meaningful dialogue.
Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, earlier, had led month-long useless negotiations to effect a truce over this 14-month war, where more than 44,600 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. Qatar, however, had steered back from the negotiation desk, following the parties which showed a lack of seriousness. But Sheikh Mohammed on Friday said recent developments bring renewed hope for progress.
Violence in Gaza continues meanwhile. On Saturday, reported casualties included 39 Palestinians in Israel strikes, including 26 in a densely populated refugee camp in Nuseirat. Attacks have received international condemnation; healthcare facilities such as Kamal Adwan Hospital came under siege, calling from the World Health Organization for the protection of medical infrastructure and end hostilities.
Despite the issues still standing, Qatar is still holding a lot of hope. “It’s about answering two key questions: Is there a willingness to end the war? Is there a willingness for an exchange deal? If the answer is yes, we have a deal,” Sheikh Mohammed emphasized.
When diplomacy returns to the table, Qatar will be playing a pivotal role in finding a way through the intricate nature of how to achieve a sustainable resolution in the Gaza conflict.
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