Diplomatic efforts intensify to de-escalate tensions in Palestinian territories
In the early morning hours of Saturday, October 7, the Palestinian group Hamas launched an unprecedented surprise multi-prong attack on Israel, including firing a barrage of rockets toward Israeli territory while simultaneously carrying out a ground offensive into nearby Israeli towns which breached the Israeli Gaza barrier and overwhelmed surrounding Israeli military posts.
The operation named “Al Aqsa Flood” involved the firing of approximately 5,000 rockets and infiltration of Israeli territory by land, sea, and air, which lead to the death of at least 200 people and 1,100 wounded, making it the deadliest attack in Israel in decades
Israel declared a state of war after the convoys of Palestinian fighters breached the Gaza border fence, later it initiated a counteroffensive in the Gaza Strip, named 'Operation Iron Swords causing the death of at least 198 people in the Gaza Strip and at least 1,610 have been wounded, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza.
Considering this dire situation, Prime Minister Al-Thani's diplomatic calls with key regional and international counterparts emphasize the gravity of the crisis and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to de-escalate tensions and protect civilian lives.
In a series of high-level diplomatic phone calls, the State of Qatar has demonstrated its commitment to peace and stability in the Palestinian territories, as well as the broader Middle East. Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, engaged in discussions with key counterparts from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Jordan regarding the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine.
During these phone calls, Prime Minister Al-Thani expressed deep concern about the intensifying violence between Israel and Palestine. He emphasized the critical importance of exercising utmost restraint to prevent further suffering among civilians caught in the crossfire.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Al-Thani stressed the necessity for these countries to collaborate and coordinate their efforts to defuse the situation, reduce the escalation, and protect civilians from the dire consequences of the ongoing confrontations. These sentiments were echoed consistently in all discussions.
Prime Minister Al-Thani also received a phone call from Antony Blinken, the Secretary of State of the United States of America. This conversation reaffirmed the global community's interest in achieving peace in the Middle East.
The United States expressed its commitment to working alongside Qatar and other regional partners to de-escalate the situation, emphasizing the need for all parties to prioritize restraint and diplomatic solutions.
Prime Minister Al-Thani's efforts to foster collaboration, express concerns, and call for restraint demonstrate Qatar's commitment to regional peace and stability. As the world watches the situation in the Middle East, these diplomatic discussions serve as a testament to the importance of diplomatic engagement and cooperation as an essential tools for conflict resolution and peace-building in the region.
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