Emir of Qatar Engages with Hamas Delegation for Gaza Ceasefire Discussions
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Synopsis
On January 14, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, discussing ongoing ceasefire negotiations for Gaza. The emir reiterated Qatar's support for Palestinian rights and the establishment of an independent state, while Hamas provided a positive response to the ceasefire draft amid ongoing tensions.
Key Takeaways
- Emir of Qatar meets with Hamas delegation.
- Focus on Gaza ceasefire negotiations.
- Hamas shows a positive response to ceasefire draft.
- Qatar's commitment to Palestinian rights emphasized.
- Awaiting Israel's final response regarding the ceasefire.
Doha, Jan 14 (NationPress) Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, engaged in discussions with a Hamas delegation, headed by Khalil al-Hayya, a key member of Hamas' political bureau, as per a statement from the Emiri Diwan, the emir's administrative office.
The dialogue centered around the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and aimed at establishing a durable truce in the Palestinian region, as noted in the statement.
This meeting coincided with a senior Hamas official's earlier remarks indicating that the organization had responded positively to a proposed draft of a ceasefire agreement presented by mediators in Doha, according to Xinhua news agency.
During their talks, the emir reiterated Qatar's steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to create an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Additionally, Hamas conveyed a favorable response to the ceasefire draft put forth by mediators in Doha, as stated by a senior Hamas representative.
An anonymous official involved in the negotiations disclosed that Hamas did not raise any objections to the draft, expressing hope for a swift ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in the coastal region.
“We are currently awaiting the final response from Israel,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar acknowledged that there had been “progress” in the discussions taking place in Qatar, with Israel “working diligently to finalize a deal.”
In recent months, mediation efforts from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have struggled to facilitate a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, following a short truce that lasted a week between November and December 2023.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated after Hamas launched an assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 casualties and around 250 hostages.
