Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari has reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to the ongoing joint mediation to halt the Israeli war on Gaza, emphasising the interconnectedness of escalating tension in the Red Sea to the conflict in Gaza.
Speaking during the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly press briefing, Dr Ansari said, "It is imperative to acknowledge that finding a solution to the regional tensions necessitates a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Gaza.”
In response to Qatar Tribune’s question, he said, "Our stance remains firm that military interventions are insufficient to bring a resolution to the heightened tensions in the Red Sea region. There have been deliberate leaks in the media aiming to disrupt the ongoing negotiation processes on the ground. It is crucial to recognise these attempts and remain committed to diplomatic efforts.”
He added that Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has emphasised Qatar’s ongoing collaborative mediation efforts to promptly stop the war in Gaza.
"His Excellency the Prime Minister underscores the imperative of safeguarding civilians in Gaza Strip and ensuring unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the region,” Dr Ansari said. "His Excellency stressed that today, the international community is urged to take a decisive stance and exert pressure for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza.”
He pointed out that addressing the tension in the Red Sea cannot be approached in isolation from the ongoing conflict in Gaza and its evolving developments.
"The acknowledgment of deliberate leaks disrupting negotiations highlights the challenges faced in diplomatic efforts. By addressing these attempts to sabotage ongoing processes, Qatar signals its commitment to transparent and constructive dialogue,” he noted.
He pointed out that this recognition underscores the need for vigilance against external forces attempting to derail diplomatic initiatives, reinforcing the nation’s dedication to pursuing effective and transparent negotiations.
"Our relentless efforts persist in reinvigorating the negotiation process and maintaining active mediation to cease hostilities in the ongoing war,” He emphasised.
Addressing potential consequences, he warned, "Should the conflict in Gaza persist, it poses an escalating security threat due to evolving circumstances in the Red Sea. The sustained escalation on the ground in Gaza undermines the dedicated mediation endeavours led by Qatar. Resolving the interconnected challenges demands a holistic and concerted international effort.”
He stressed that the firm stance against military interventions reflects Qatar’s commitment to diplomatic solutions.
This position, he pointed out, acknowledges the limitations of coercive measures and emphasises the importance of dialogue and negotiation in resolving complex regional issues as Qatar aims to promote peaceful resolutions that address the underlying causes of tension, fostering stability and cooperation in the broader Middle East.
By persistently working towards ending hostilities in the ongoing war, Qatar positions itself as a mediator committed to finding viable and lasting solutions, he said.