DOHA:Qatar has voiced its approval of the US administration's decision to suspend certain sanctions on Syria while calling for a permanent lifting to bolster economic recovery.
Spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Dr Majed Al Ansari, during a press conference on Tuesday, said: "This is a partial step, and we hope for a full lifting of sanctions to facilitate economic activity."
Dr Al Ansari also addressed speculation about the transfer of Qatari gas to Syria, emphasizing, "Qatar’s current focus is on providing humanitarian and relief aid to the Syrian people."
He revealed that Qatar’s air bridge has so far delivered 231 tonnes of aid, with more assistance on the way.Additionally, Qatar is working with Syrian authorities to address the country’s severe electricity shortages.
In a related report, Syria’s state news agency SANA announced the arrival of two electricity-generating ships from Qatar and Turkey, which will produce 800 megawatts—equivalent to nearly half of Syria’s current output.
The added capacity is expected to increase electricity availability for citizens by around 50%.
Meanwhile, Qatar’s embassy in Syria confirmed the resumption of Qatar Airways flights between Doha and Damascus, ending a 13-year suspension.
Syria after Assad's regime
The United States announced on Monday a temporary easing of restrictions on Syria, allowing certain activities over the next six months to ensure access to vital services following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad.
The move, approved by President Joe Biden's administration, grants the Treasury Department authority to issue exemptions for a range of aid and essential services.
These include providing water, electricity, energy, and humanitarian supplies, alongside permitting financial transfers—all aimed at improving living conditions for Syrians.
According to US officials, the exemptions are designed to streamline aid delivery by eliminating the need for individual case-by-case approvals. However, strict conditions have been set to prevent misuse of the supplies by Syrian authorities or other actors.
Hope for Gaza
Meanwhile, in Gaza, hopes for progress emerged as Israel and Hamas reportedly reached initial agreements regarding the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.
According to sources cited by Israel’s Channel 12, these preliminary understandings include reopening the Netzarim corridor—a key axis dividing northern and southern Gaza—with an international body overseeing inspections of returnees.
The reported arrangements focus on the return of women, children, and young men to northern areas, marking a potential breakthrough in restoring stability and rebuilding the region. However, no formal agreement has yet been finalized, and negotiations are ongoing.
Dr Al Ansari provided updates on ongoing indirect negotiations in Qatar aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
He acknowledged the complexity of the talks, stating, "There are no expectations regarding the timeline for reaching an agreement or announcing it."
