Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and US Secretary of State H E Antony Blinken held a joint press conference in Doha to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the Middle East. The Prime Minister announced that a new round of talks will begin in Doha for a potential ceasefire in Gaza, with US and Israeli delegations scheduled to participate in the discussions. He emphasized the need to prioritize stopping the war, releasing hostages, and prisoners, and finding a sustainable peace solution for the region.
The Prime Minister expressed concern over the expanding conflict in the Middle East, noting the recent escalation of Israeli attacks on Gaza and Lebanon. He condemned the siege on northern Gaza, the bombing of hospitals, and refugee camps, emphasizing the importance of finding a solution to end the aggression. The discussions also focused on ways to stop the war in Lebanon and adhere to Security Council resolutions. The Prime Minister stressed the need for all parties to show responsibility towards civilians in the region.
In response to questions about ceasefire efforts, the Prime Minister revealed that negotiations have been ongoing since October 2023, with major challenges and setbacks along the way. He mentioned the upcoming visit of negotiating teams from the US and Israel to Doha to discuss potential breakthroughs in the negotiations. The Prime Minister expressed hope for positive results and emphasized the importance of all parties engaging constructively in the talks. He also highlighted the role of mediators in facilitating the negotiation process.
Addressing Hamas’ stand on the conflict, the Prime Minister stated that there is still no clarity on their position and reiterated the importance of engaging with all relevant parties to reach a resolution. He also defended Al Jazeera as an independent media outlet, praising its coverage of conflicts around the world. US Secretary of State Blinken expressed appreciation for Qatar’s essential role in diffusing the Gaza crisis and bringing peace and stability to the region. He commended Qatar’s efforts to bring hostages home and end the war in Gaza.
Blinken discussed concrete ideas for security, governance, and reconstruction in Gaza, emphasizing the need for all countries to contribute to addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region. He acknowledged Qatar’s generosity in providing food, medical supplies, and life-saving assistance to the people of Gaza. The joint press conference highlighted the ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and the importance of finding a sustainable peace solution for the region.
