After a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip
Qatar believes agreement to end the war is possible
November 22, 2023, 8:55 a.m
The Emirate of Qatar plays a key role in the hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. According to the country’s prime minister, the agreement, which provides for a ceasefire and the release of hostages and prisoners, could be a first step towards ending the war.
After the hostage deal, which provides for a ceasefire and the release of hostages and prisoners, the Emirate of Qatar is hoping for an even more far-reaching agreement to end the war. “We hope that this ceasefire will create a comprehensive and sustainable agreement that stops the war machine and the bloodshed,” wrote Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on X. Such an agreement must lead to “serious talks for a comprehensive and just conduct the peace process”.
Qatar, together with Egypt and the USA, had brokered a four-day ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist terrorist organization Hamas and the exchange of 50 hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Like Egypt, Doha has emerged as a mediator thanks to its long relationship with Hamas.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza war and a prisoner exchange. Abbas, of Hamas’ rival Fatah, which governs the West Bank, highlighted the efforts of Qatar and Egypt in brokering the agreement while calling for more comprehensive solutions to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Abbas wants a longer ceasefire and “the implementation of a political solution based on international legitimacy,” said a statement by his adviser Hussein Al-Sheikh on an online platform.
Baerbock calls hostage deal a “breakthrough”
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described the agreed release of 50 hostages as a “breakthrough”. “The announced release of the first large group of hostages is a breakthrough – even if nothing in the world can undo their suffering,” wrote Baerbock on X. “The humanitarian pause must be used to bring vital help to the people in Gaza .”
US President Joe Biden also welcomed the agreement between Israel and Hamas and insisted on compliance with the agreement. “It is important that all aspects of this agreement are fully implemented,” Biden said. He appreciated the commitment made by the Israeli government to support an extended ceasefire so that the agreement could be fully implemented. Additional humanitarian aid can now be provided “to alleviate the suffering of innocent Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip.”
Biden thanked Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for “their critical leadership and partnership in reaching this agreement.” This should now bring more American hostages home, said Biden. It is “a testament to the tireless diplomacy” and determination of the US government. “There is no higher priority for me as president than the safety of Americans held hostage around the world.”
On October 7, hundreds of Hamas terrorists entered Israel and committed atrocities, mostly against civilians. According to Israeli information, around 1,200 people were killed and around 240 people were taken hostage to the Gaza Strip. In response, Israel began attacking targets in the Gaza Strip from the air and ground. According to Hamas Islamist figures, which cannot be independently verified, more than 14,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip since then.