Qatar working on de-escalation of tensions in Gaza strip, finding peaceful solution to crisis
Ever since the start of recent unrest in the Gaza Strip, Qatar has been working hard to de-escalate the tensions in Palestine.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, addressing a joint Press conference in Doha with American Secretary of State Antony Blinken, reiterated his country’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the crisis.
“Qatar’s priorities in its diplomatic actions are to seek an immediate ceasefire, protect civilians, release prisoners and work to limit the expansion of violence and the cycle of conflict in the region, which will have serious consequences,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
He said Israel’s policy of collective punishment for Gaza was thoroughly unacceptable and condemned their targeting of innocent civilians by heavy bombardment.
“I stress that killing innocent civilians, especially children and women, and practising the policy of collective punishment is unacceptable under any pretext. We’re following these developments with great sadness and concern,” he said.
HE the Prime Minister & Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the State of #Qatar’s commitment to keeping communication channels open during conflict & affirmed Qatar’s position as a partner for peace during the joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. pic.twitter.com/791CTh74fU
— Qatar's International Media Office (@IMO_Qatar) October 13, 2023
He urged all concerned parties to keep all channels of communication open as it was the only way to reach an immediate and peaceful solution.
“Resolving this crisis requires continuous and intense cooperation, and we value the regional and international efforts that’ll reduce the escalation. We’re facing a difficult reality and a stage that requires concerted efforts and endeavours, especially from the US. We should try to calm the situation and spare civilians from the consequences of the confrontations,” said HH The Prime Minister.
Speaking about the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza — with people being cut off from food, water and medication — Sheikh Mohammed urged for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to provide aid to civilians.
“Qatar and USA exchanged views on ways to open humanitarian corridors to ensure that relief and aid reach our Palestinian brothers stranded under bombardment, especially in light of the deteriorating conditions in the Gaza Strip.
Spoke with Qatar’s Amir today about the terrorist attacks in Israel and the ongoing conflict with Hamas. I expressed appreciation for Qatar’s efforts to secure the return of hostages. pic.twitter.com/hpuJ3TkgZj
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 13, 2023
“Qatar firmly believes in the importance of mediation and dialogue and considers it an integral part of our foreign policy. We’ve always sought to keep channels of communication open with various parties in different arenas of conflict. It’s helped consolidate Qatar’s international position as a reliable peace making partner,” he said.
Sheikh Mohammed said Hamas’s political office in Doha — since its establishment — had been used as a channel of communication and a means to bring regional peace.
“Qatar always keeps the channels of communication open and focuses on putting an end to this conflict,” he said.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who held constructive talks with HH The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikh Mohammed, thanked Qatar for its cooperation in many issues.
“Qatar is a reliable partner and has always been a close partner of the USA in many initiatives. We’ve worked together in returning Americans from Afghanistan and have also cooperated in humanitarian cases such as the earthquake in Turkiye and northern Syria,” said Blinken.
He said they were working together to prevent the spread of violence and war in the region.
“We discussed points on how to prevent any party from expanding this crisis. We’re also working to secure the release of prisoners, including American citizens, in cooperation with Qatar and various allies and partners in the region,” he said.
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