DOHA: Qatar, acting as a mediator, has expressed its commitment to utilizing the two-day extension of the humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza to pursue a “sustainable truce” that could pave the way for further negotiations and the eventual cessation of hostilities, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said.
Addressing a news conference in Doha, Ansari stated, “Our main focus right now, and our hope, is to reach a sustainable truce that will lead to further negotiations and eventually to an end to this war in Gaza.” He emphasized the ongoing efforts and negotiations, supported by Egypt and the United States, to broaden and expand the truce.
Qatar announced on Monday a successful two-day extension of the truce. During the initial four-day truce, 50 Israeli hostages were released in exchange for 150 Palestinian civilian prisoners, mostly women and children, held by Israel. The initial four-day pause, which expired on Monday night, resulted in significant progress.
Qatar Confirms Further Exchanges as Part of Truce Extension
The foreign ministry spokesman confirmed that the truce’s continuation includes the release of an additional 20 Israeli hostages, expressing optimism about receiving more information from Hamas regarding the rest of the hostages within the next 48 hours. He highlighted that “minimal breaches” in recent days had not undermined the essence of the agreement.
Qatar has played a pivotal role in parallel negotiations between Hamas and other nations, leading to the release of 17 Thais, one Filipino, and one dual Russian-Israeli national. Before the truce, only four hostages had been released by Hamas.
Since October 7, Israel’s extensive bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza have drawn international concern. The Gaza government reports nearly 15,000 Palestinian casualties, with a majority being women and children.
