DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani affirmed that the State of Qatar has been keen, since the first day of the outbreak of confrontations between Palestinians and Israelis, to seek to reduce the escalation, leading to a complete cessation of the fighting, in order to stop the bloodshed. And to prevent the region from sliding into a wider cycle of violence, the price of which will be paid by the people of the region who are exhausted by wars and conflicts.
His Excellency said during a press conference held on Friday evening with Secretary of State of the United States of America HE Anthony Blinken that the priorities of the State of Qatar in its diplomatic movements 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 if it expands.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the firm position of the State of Qatar to condemn all forms of targeting civilians and killing innocent civilians, especially women, and children, and practising the policy of collective punishment is unacceptable, and these condemnations must be directed equally at all parties and not one party, as is the case with some.
His Excellency added that his meeting in Doha with the US Secretary of State comes under critical and unfortunate circumstances with the continued escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Gaza and Israel. He said, “We are all following these developments with great sadness and concern.”
He pointed out that he exchanged views with the American side on ways to open humanitarian corridors to ensure that relief and aid reach the Palestinian brothers stranded under bombardment, especially in light of the deteriorating conditions in the Gaza Strip.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani alerted to the tragic situation in Gaza, including the shortage of basic materials and the interruption of electricity and water due to the bombing launched on the strip.
He said, “Everyone realizes that we are facing a difficult reality and a stage that requires concerted efforts and endeavors.” He stressed in this context, there is a need to strengthen efforts with allies and partners, especially the United States of America, in order to calm the situation and spare civilians the consequences of these confrontations.
His Excellency added: “We are certain that the only way to reach a peaceful and immediate solution to this crisis is to keep all channels of communication open with all concerned parties, and that resolving this crisis requires continuous and intensive cooperation, and we value the regional, international and international efforts that will reduce the escalation.”
His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs continued: “We in the State of Qatar firmly believe in mediation and dialogue, which is part of our foreign policy. We have always sought to keep channels of communication open with various parties in various arenas of conflict, which has contributed to consolidating our international position as a reliable partner in peacemaking.”
In a related context, His Excellency stressed that “the State of Qatar’s commitment to its role as a partner in peacemaking and a mediator in resolving conflicts should not be exploited to harm its reputation by leveling accusations, which experience has proven to be false”.
His Excellency also stressed that the absence of a just solution to the Palestinian issue will always accompany the absence of peace in this region. He called on the international community to put pressure on achieving a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue within the framework of the Arab initiative that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, and that The Palestinian brothers have their rights permanently.
His Excellency expressed his aspiration to continue working with partners in the United States of America and support efforts aimed at reducing the escalation in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel and enhancing the security and stability of the region.
Regarding Qatari contacts to find a solution to the Palestinian crisis, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, said, “With the outbreak of the crisis, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the country, and I, began making many contacts with many regional and international officials.”
He added: “We have specific goals at this stage, which are to seek to reduce the escalation taking place now. We hope that this war will stop and we can secure humanitarian corridors to pass aid to Gaza, as well as the issue of civilian prisoners, whom we are working with our partners to return them to their families in the end.”
His Excellency explained that the role of the State of Qatar focuses on finding solutions to this crisis, stopping its expansion, and preventing the conflict from expanding or engaging on other fronts. Its priorities today focus on stopping the fighting on the ground, delivering humanitarian aid, and returning prisoners to their homes.
Regarding the Hamas office in Doha, His Excellency stressed that this office has been used from the beginning as a channel of communication and a means to bring peace to the region, and this is its purpose. Pointing out that the State of Qatar always keeps the channels of communication open and focuses on putting an end to this conflict, which will remain the focus in the coming period.
His Excellency continued, saying: “We are now working in Qatar, and I believe that America shares this goal with us, to put an end to this conflict and to reduce the escalation and return the prisoners safely.”
Regarding his idea of the results of the Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip and the return of the prisoners, His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs stated, “It is too early to make judgments about the results of this war, but we hope that all the detained prisoners will return and that there will be positive prospects... and we are doing everything in our power to release them."
He added: "With regard to the Israeli response to Gaza, we have seen the amount of destruction. Half of Gaza has been destroyed so far and the number of people harmed in this attack is very large, and human beings are human beings, whether Palestinians or Israelis. It is very painful."
His Excellency continued: “We would like to see the application of international law and the application of the same international standards as were applied in other wars. We are trying to keep channels of communication open in order to alleviate human suffering and to move forward with humanitarian corridors or even deliver aid. We cannot deprive the people of Gaza has access to water, electricity, medicine, and basic means of life, and we believe in the seriousness of this matter.”
His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed his concern about the continued absence of political prospects for the Palestinians, adding, “Unfortunately, this will continue, so we need to focus on how to cooperate to give hope in developing solutions to their issue.”
In response to a question regarding the Iranian funds deposited in Qatar as a result of the Iranian-American agreement that was brokered by Qatar, His Excellency said that the State of Qatar is committed to any agreement to which it is a party and no step will be taken without consulting the rest of the parties... adding that these funds will be used in accordance with the agreement concluded with the United States and Iran.
In turn, Secretary of State of the United States of America HE Anthony Blinken said that he held constructive talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
His Excellency expressed his country's gratitude for cooperation with the State of Qatar on many issues. He said, "Qatar is a reliable partner and has always been a close partner to the United States of America in many initiatives. We have worked together in returning Americans from Afghanistan and have also cooperated in humanitarian cases such as the earthquake in Turkey and northern Syria.”
The US Secretary of State added that his meetings in Doha come at a difficult and important time in the region, noting that his country is currently working with the State of Qatar to prevent the expansion of the crisis.
He continued: "We discussed all the details to prevent any party from expanding this crisis. We are also working to secure the release of prisoners, including American citizens, in cooperation with the State of Qatar and various allies and partners in the region."
In this context, His Excellency renewed his country's expression of appreciation for "the work undertaken by the State of Qatar to secure the release of prisoners." He said, "We highly appreciate this work and it is appreciated by many countries."
