Qatar PM Advocates Full Implementation of Gaza Ceasefire and Humanitarian Support
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar calls for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement during an Al Jazeera interview, hoping for a binding UN resolution. The ceasefire, involving humanitarian aid and detainee exchanges, is set to commence on Sunday. Qatar is also advocating for the lifting of sanctions on the new Syrian administration while rejecting Israeli military actions near the Golan Heights.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has emphasized the importance of fully executing the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, he expressed optimism that the subsequent phase would finalize the resolution. Sheikh Mohammed anticipates a binding resolution from the United Nations Security Council to implement the ceasefire agreement effectively.
On Wednesday, Qatar, alongside Egypt and the United States, announced the establishment of a multiphased ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza while facilitating the exchange of detainees. The ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday, introducing a seven-week plan that will enhance humanitarian aid, progressively withdraw Israeli forces, and release Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. A second phase of negotiations is tentatively scheduled to begin in March, conditional on the successful implementation of the first phase.
Al Jazeera correspondent Stefanie Dekker reported that the Israeli cabinet is convening discussions today regarding the ceasefire, which was initially planned for Saturday. The negotiations drew significant contributions from both Qatar and Egypt. Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged the decisive influence of diplomatic efforts from the outgoing Biden administration and members of the incoming Trump team in facilitating the ceasefire agreement in Gaza while reiterating that governance in Gaza post-conflict remains a Palestinian matter.
Emphasizing the urgency of providing humanitarian aid, Sheikh Mohammed stated that a protocol is now in place to ensure aid reaches affected families without coercive pressures. Outside of ceasefire discussions, Qatar is strengthening ties with Syria’s new administration led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, who emerged following the recent upheaval of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Sheikh Mohammed urged the lifting of sanctions on Syria, arguing that they hinder effective governance and reconstruction.
He stated, “The sanctions were imposed on the Assad regime and are not logical now. The new administration is not expected to address international concerns and work for its people under sanctions simultaneously.” The imposition of sanctions by the U.S. and European Union aims to penalize al-Assad’s regime for wartime atrocities. Sheikh Mohammed called for the rejection of Israeli military expansion in areas near the Golan Heights, asserting the necessity of Israel’s withdrawal to prevent creating a new conflict dynamic.
The article centers on the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, involving Qatar’s mediatory role along with Egypt and the United States. The ceasefire agreement is seen as a critical step towards halting the violence that has escalated significantly in the region. The context also involves international relations regarding Syria, as Qatar seeks to navigate the complexities following the recent geopolitical changes and lift sanctions affecting the new administration.
In summary, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has reinforced the need for implementing the Gaza ceasefire agreement in full, signaling hope for a comprehensive resolution. Additionally, by addressing the implications of sanctions on Syria and Israel’s military maneuvers, he underscores Qatar’s diplomatic engagements aimed at stabilizing the region and advancing humanitarian efforts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
