DOHA: Qatar has voiced apprehension over the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas, expressing dismay at the setback it has caused to truce negotiations. Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani disclosed on Tuesday that discussions between the two parties have reached a virtual impasse following Israel’s military operation in Rafah.
Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Prime Minister Al Thani remarked, “Especially in the past few weeks, we have seen some momentum building but unfortunately things didn’t move in the right direction and right now we are on a status of almost a stalemate. Of course, what happened with Rafah has set us backward.”
Qatar, serving as a mediator alongside Egypt and the United States, has been engaged in months of behind-the-scenes diplomacy to facilitate peace talks between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas. However, recent developments have hindered progress, with Al Thani expressing concern over Israel’s continued military actions despite efforts to broker a ceasefire.
“There is no clarity how to stop the war from the Israeli side. I don’t think that they are considering this as an option… even when we are talking about the deal and leading to a potential ceasefire,” Al Thani stated.
Despite warnings from the United States against a full-scale assault on Rafah, Israel has persisted in its operations, further complicating the situation. A senior US official acknowledged that negotiations were at a low point but affirmed ongoing dialogue with the involved parties.
In a separate news conference, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al Ansari, highlighted the humanitarian repercussions of the conflict, noting that aid delivery to Gaza had been halted since May 9 due to Israeli incursions and aid crossing closures.
“Our brothers in the Gaza Strip have not received any aid since May 9, and this is an indication of the continued perpetuation of the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip,” Ansari emphasized.
In response to queries regarding the hosting of Hamas’s political leaders in Doha, Prime Minister Al Thani indicated that as long as communication remains necessary amid ongoing conflict, the expulsion of Hamas is not under consideration.
Efforts to revive truce negotiations remain uncertain, with Qatar urging both parties to demonstrate willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.