Qatar stresses Gaza stabilization force must remain neutral
Speaking to Al Jazeera after meetings in Washington with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and members of Congress, Sheikh Mohammed said Qatar raised concerns over repeated ceasefire violations in Gaza, warning that such breaches place mediators in an “embarrassing position.” He stated: “We do not want a stabilization force in Gaza that serves to protect one party at the expense of another.”
The Qatari premier said he and Rubio agreed to “double efforts” to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, with preparations underway for a meeting of mediators on Friday to develop a clear framework for transitioning to the next stage. Humanitarian issues were a major topic in discussions with Congress, with Sheikh Mohammed reiterating Qatar’s call for the “unconditional” entry of aid into the enclave. “The current situation in Gaza puts the agreement at risk every day,” he warned, noting that ongoing violations could jeopardize the ceasefire.
On Syria, the Qatari premier expressed support for lifting US sanctions on Damascus to aid economic recovery, describing the situation as an opportunity “to activate joint efforts to support the Syrian government following the removal of sanctions.” He reaffirmed Qatar’s backing for Syria’s territorial unity and fair treatment of all Syrians.
Echoing similar views, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar that a stabilization force in Gaza should be deployed quickly “to monitor the ceasefire, protect civilians, and create a safe environment inside the enclave.”
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed nearly 70,700 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 171,100 others. Phase one of the ceasefire deal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, rebuilding Gaza, and establishing a new governing mechanism without Hamas.
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