Qatar: Qatar affirmed on Tuesday that it is working in coordination with other mediators to expedite reaching the second phase of the ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip. During a weekly media briefing, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majid Al Ansari highlighted the urgent need to address the humanitarian issues in the region.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Dr. Al Ansari emphasized that the prevention of aid entry, delays in bringing in reconstruction materials, and postponements in opening the Rafah crossing are significantly contributing to the rising casualties in Gaza. He strongly criticized the use of humanitarian aid as leverage in negotiations, deeming it "unacceptable."
Dr. Al Ansari described the crisis in Gaza as "man-made, not a natural disaster," underscoring the severity of the situation. He further elaborated on Qatar's mediation efforts, noting that the country is actively working in coordination with Egypt and the United States, maintaining almost daily communications at various levels to advance the ceasefire deal.
The spokesperson urged the international community to exert more pressure on all parties involved to progress towards the second phase of the agreement, as the remaining hurdles should not delay its implementation. He reiterated Qatar's commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and peaceful means, acknowledging the growing challenges in the region.
On a related note, Dr. Al Ansari addressed the issue of US tariffs on countries trading with Iran, affirming Qatar's adherence to international sanctions when there is global consensus. He acknowledged the complexity of the current situation but remained optimistic about the potential for diplomatic resolutions.