‘Lack of serious negotiations by participating parties has prompted Qatar to suspend mediation in Gaza’

Doha: Official Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari reaffirmed that the suspension of mediation efforts between the Israeli occupation and Hamas by the State of Qatar was due to the lack of seriousness of the parties involved in the negotiations.

He clarified that this does not mean the closure of the Hamas office in Doha.

During the ministry’s weekly briefing, Dr. Al Ansari that Hamas’s office in Doha will remain open, adding that there would be an official statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs if such a decision were made. He added that representatives of the movement are welcome in Qatar, or in case they choose to leave.

He noted that negotiations are currently on hold until a decision is made to resume them. He added that if Qatar sees the seriousness in reaching an agreement, it will not hesitate to play a central role in alleviating suffering in Gaza.

He attributed the suspension of mediation efforts to the lack of sincere commitment from the parties involved and stressed that Qatar would not allow itself to be blackmailed during the mediation process. He stressed that the State of Qatar has been prepared from day one to do whatever is necessary to de-escalate tensions, alleviate Palestinian suffering in Gaza and secure the return of prisoners and hostages, a role the country has consistently defended .

Dr. Al Ansari stressed that the parties were informed 10 days in advance that Qatar would suspend its efforts if no agreement was reached or if the country did not feel serious commitment. He stressed that Qatar is now fully focused on stepping up the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinians and is cooperating with Egypt and other Arab countries on this issue.

He reiterated that the State of Qatar remains ready to resume its mediation efforts as soon as favorable conditions arise, stressing that the suspension of negotiations does not mean a withdrawal of efforts to de-escalate the situation or a change in Qatar’s position regarding the need to end the war. .

He emphasized the clarity of the State of Qatar’s position in seeking an immediate end to the war and the provision of humanitarian aid, which he considers non-negotiable.

Regarding the decision of some European countries to ban arms sales to Israel, Dr. Al Ansari took this step and said that supplying weapons to any side in a conflict prolongs wars. He added that the State of Qatar is unequivocal in supporting decisions that de-escalate tensions and conflicts worldwide.

Regarding Russia and Ukraine, the spokesperson underlined the consistent position of the State of Qatar since the beginning of the war, emphasizing the importance of preserving Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity and reaching a peaceful solution. He said the State of Qatar has supported all efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful solution and has actively worked to reunite war-affected children and promote peace in the region.

The spokesperson referred to Qatar’s statement strongly condemning the Israeli bombing of an UNRWA school hosting displaced persons in Gaza’s Al Shati camp, which caused numerous casualties.

Dr. Al Ansari also highlighted Qatar’s continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, with an aid plane carrying 16 tons of supplies and four ambulances, bringing total aid to Afghanistan to 183 tons. Similarly, the airlift to Lebanon continues, with an aircraft delivering 26 tons of aid, bringing Qatar’s total aid to Lebanon to 320 tons.