Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani confirmed that Gaza’s humanitarian crisis has reached critical levels. He announced that Qatar had successfully mediated the release of more than 130 prisoners over the past 18 months. These releases occurred from Gaza, amidst the worsening Gaza humanitarian crisis.
Speaking in an interview with The Washington Post, the prime minister said the situation in Gaza is dire. Humanitarian aid has not entered the region for over five weeks. He emphasized, “There is a famine.” The Gaza humanitarian crisis is worsening by the day, with civilians and prisoners alike facing extreme danger.
Qatar, Egypt, and the United States had brokered a temporary truce earlier this year. The prime minister noted that negotiations are now underway to complete the next phase of this ceasefire. Talks with Israel and the US aim to address the Gaza humanitarian crisis and allow emergency humanitarian aid to enter Gaza as soon as possible.
He affirmed that the release of Israeli-American prisoner Edan Alexander was a result of focused diplomatic efforts. These efforts were tied to ceasefire negotiations amid the ongoing Gaza humanitarian crisis. The Qatari leader expressed hope that the conflicting parties would soon return to the negotiating table to end the violence.
The prime minister stressed that the priority now is ending the war and avoiding a long-term conflict. He suggested that forming a new technocratic government in Gaza, amidst the humanitarian crisis, may help stabilize the region. Qatar supports this approach and is ready to assist in its formation.
Regarding Qatar’s upcoming dialogue with the US President, Sheikh Mohammed stated that the discussions will focus on expanding bilateral cooperation in security and defense. He mentioned that recent developments in the region, including talks with Iran within the context of the Gaza humanitarian crisis, will also be on the agenda.
Qatar has urged Iran and the United States to finalize their agreement quickly. Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that Doha regularly advises both sides to reach a peaceful settlement. He also underlined the importance of US-Syria dialogue, particularly regarding lifting sanctions that affect diplomatic efforts within the Gaza humanitarian crisis context.
In conclusion, the prime minister reiterated Qatar’s commitment to peace, stability, and resolving the Gaza humanitarian crisis. He called for global support to end the suffering of civilians and deliver aid immediately.
