DOHA: Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, stated on Sunday that the potential release of Israeli hostages in Gaza would require a “period of calm” in the region.
Al Ansari emphasized that the absence of a peaceful period hampers the efforts of Qatar’s mediators in securing the hostages’ release. The statement came amidst escalating Israeli violence, with Gaza health officials reporting over 9,700 Palestinians have been martyred, including 4,800 children, since the conflict began on October 7.
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Qatar, in coordination with the US, has been leading mediation talks between Hamas and Israeli officials regarding the release of hostages. Despite these efforts, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected US calls for a temporary halt to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. The situation has worsened as Israel intensified its attacks on Gaza, employing airstrikes, bombardments, and ground assaults.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Highlights Challenges in Talks
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, who also serves as foreign minister, expressed concerns about the negotiations potentially failing due to Israel’s military actions. He highlighted the challenges faced in the negotiation process, citing the complexities arising from the Israeli occupation army’s practices.
