Qatar working to 'bridge the gap' for a ceasefire
Published: 04:06 PM,Jun 22,2024 | EDITED : 08:06 PM,Jun 22,2024
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
MADRID: Qatar said that it was pursuing efforts to 'bridge the gap' between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and release Israeli captives held there.
The Gulf country, the United States and Egypt, have been engaged in months of negotiations for a ceasefire in the Mideast war that erupted on October 7.
There has been one seven-day pause in November which led to the release of more than 100 captives. Efforts since have been deadlocked.
'We have continued our efforts without interruption over the last few days,' Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told a news conference in Madrid with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. 'There have been several meetings with the Hamas leadership to try to bridge the gap between the two parties and reach an agreement that will lead to a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages,' he added.
The talks are based on a plan US President Joe Biden laid out on May 31 calling for an Israeli withdrawal from 'major population centres' in Gaza and a six week ceasefire, which could be extended if negotiators need more time to seek a permanent deal.
'Efforts are continuing, but so far we have not reached a formula that we feel is the most appropriate and closest to what has been presented,' the Qatari prime minister said.
'As soon as this is done, we will communicate with the Israeli side to try to bridge the gap and reach an agreement as quickly as possible,' he added.
Palestinian movement Hamas was open to 'any document or initiative that ensures the foundations of the resistance's position in ceasefire negotiations'.
It has insisted on the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire before the release of all captives sought by Israel. — AFP
The Gulf country, the United States and Egypt, have been engaged in months of negotiations for a ceasefire in the Mideast war that erupted on October 7.
There has been one seven-day pause in November which led to the release of more than 100 captives. Efforts since have been deadlocked.
'We have continued our efforts without interruption over the last few days,' Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told a news conference in Madrid with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. 'There have been several meetings with the Hamas leadership to try to bridge the gap between the two parties and reach an agreement that will lead to a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages,' he added.
The talks are based on a plan US President Joe Biden laid out on May 31 calling for an Israeli withdrawal from 'major population centres' in Gaza and a six week ceasefire, which could be extended if negotiators need more time to seek a permanent deal.
'Efforts are continuing, but so far we have not reached a formula that we feel is the most appropriate and closest to what has been presented,' the Qatari prime minister said.
'As soon as this is done, we will communicate with the Israeli side to try to bridge the gap and reach an agreement as quickly as possible,' he added.
Palestinian movement Hamas was open to 'any document or initiative that ensures the foundations of the resistance's position in ceasefire negotiations'.
It has insisted on the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire before the release of all captives sought by Israel. — AFP