Journalism of Courage
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, on Wednesday termed the recent tensions in Gaza as “very disappointing and frustrating for us.” At least 104 Palestinians were killed in Gaza since Tuesday when Israel launched ‘powerful attacks’ in retaliation for an alleged Hamas attack on IDF troops in Rafah.
According to Israel, an IDF reservist was killed in the attack, which took place within the yellow line, the designated point to which the troops had withdrawn as part of the ceasefire deal.
Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, al-Thani also acknowledged the challenges in achieving the Gaza ceasefire, and reiterated the need to make sure it is maintained.
“We faced many challenges to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, and the journey was not easy. We are keeping up with the challenges that impacted the ceasefire in Gaza on Tuesday, and we are focusing on ensuring that the agreement lasts,” he said.
The Qatari PM said that Hamas militants have been clear that they are willing to give up governance in Gaza. He added that Qatar is trying to push them to acknowledge they need to disarm.
Last week, Hamas had said that it was willing to leave the Gaza administration and agreed to hand over powers to an independent committee of technocrats. The militant group, however, refused to comply with another key demand – to disarm.
Arab countries, including Qatar and Egypt, have been instrumental in Hamas agreeing to the 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. Observers say that Qatar, where the top political leadership of Hamas is based, can also influence the militants to give up arms.
