Qatar PM and Minister of Foreign Affairs calls for immediate engagement on 2nd phase of Gaza agreement

English , Middle East - مشرق وسطٰی , Snippets , / Sunday, February 2nd, 2025

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Doha, February 02 (QNA)– HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani emphasized the necessity of all parties adhering to the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and urged immediate engagement in the second phase of negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with HE Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, he stressed that implementing all provisions of the ceasefire and facilitating the exchange of hostages and prisoners remain the only viable path forward.
HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman called upon international partners to maintain pressure to ensure the success of negotiations, warning against any attempts to obstruct the process. He reiterated Qatar’s commitment to working closely with Egypt and the United States to guarantee full implementation of the agreement.
The Prime Minister underlined the urgency of intensified regional and international efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. He called for unobstructed access to aid and condemned actions that seek to render Gaza uninhabitable. He further stressed the need for a clear international mechanism, including UN oversight, to ensure aid reaches those in need without interference from Israeli forces.
Qatar has consistently supported Gaza through uninterrupted humanitarian supply chains since the first hours of the ceasefire. HE Sheikh Mohammed urged the global community to unite in supporting Palestinians facing desperate conditions. He reaffirmed that the crisis can only be resolved by ending the occupation and establishing a Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders in accordance with international resolutions.
During the press conference, discussions also covered broader regional matters, including the situation in Syria. HE Sheikh Mohammed welcomed recent steps taken to restructure Syria’s governance and enhance national unity. He highlighted Qatar’s ongoing efforts in providing technical support for Damascus International Airport, assistance to the electricity sector, and humanitarian aid through an airlift operation. He also emphasized the urgency of lifting international sanctions on Syria to alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis and enable access to essential resources.
HE Sheikh Mohammed praised Qatar’s strategic partnership with Turkiye, built on shared values and regional cooperation. He expressed appreciation for Turkiye’s unwavering support for Gaza, particularly in delivering humanitarian aid and medical assistance. Both leaders underscored the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing regional challenges and reinforcing bilateral ties.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed Qatar’s concerns, emphasizing the need for a sustainable and violation-free ceasefire in Gaza. He condemned Israeli restrictions on aid delivery and reiterated that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict can only be resolved through a two-state solution. He also expressed gratitude for Qatar’s role in mediating the ceasefire agreement and its continued diplomatic efforts.
Regarding Syria, HE Hakan Fidan supported lifting sanctions to facilitate reconstruction and integration of armed groups into the Syrian National Army. He also welcomed Qatar’s contributions to Syria’s stability, particularly in the energy sector. Both ministers agreed on the necessity of supporting Syria’s new leadership during this critical phase of state-building.
The discussions also touched on US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about relocating Palestinians from Gaza. HE Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed Qatar’s firm opposition to any forced displacement and expressed hope for continued constructive engagement with the US administration. He remained optimistic that diplomatic efforts would yield positive results toward ending the conflict.
HE Sheikh Mohammed also clarified that the deportation of Palestinian prisoners released as part of the ceasefire agreement was part of a negotiated arrangement. He noted that several countries have agreed to host the released detainees as part of the agreement’s implementation.
Both ministers reaffirmed the strong and fraternal relations between Qatar and Turkiye, emphasizing their commitment to regional peace and stability. They expressed their determination to build on past achievements, enhance cooperation, and pursue diplomatic initiatives that benefit the wider region.
HE Fidan concluded by acknowledging Qatar’s instrumental role in mediating the Gaza ceasefire and expressed Turkiye’s unwavering commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and humanitarian aid efforts. He underscored the importance of maintaining pressure on Israel to remove obstacles to aid delivery and ensure lasting peace in the region.
The joint press conference highlighted the growing alignment between Qatar and Turkiye on critical regional issues and their shared commitment to diplomatic solutions, humanitarian assistance, and long-term stability in the Middle East.