Qatari Foreign Ministry: Israel Must Not Obstruct Phase Two of Gaza Agreement
Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, emphasized that Israel must not be allowed to obstruct the second phase of the Gaza agreement, stating that Doha will continue its mediation efforts between both parties as long as needed.
Al-Ansari said that the international community must ensure a smooth transition from the first phase to the second phase of the agreement, noting that efforts are ongoing to retrieve the two remaining bodies to prevent any Israeli pretexts that could block implementation.
Current Challenges
The spokesperson highlighted that the main current challenge is completing the release of the remaining two prisoners, stressing that Israel should not use this issue to hinder the agreement. Qatari and regional efforts continue to ensure full implementation of the existing understandings.
Truce and Peace Track
Al-Ansari added that Qatar and its regional partners are striving to establish a truce that paves the way for sustainable peace ending the war in Gaza, despite significant challenges. The current focus is on extending the truce long enough to prepare a political track supported by regional actors, the international community, and the United States.
International Support and Position on Normalization
He emphasized that Doha’s priority is the issuance of a UN resolution ensuring the Gaza agreement within an international consensus framework, reaffirming support for the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. Regarding US pressure on regional countries to join the Abraham Accords, Al-Ansari stressed that any normalization with Israel cannot occur outside the framework of a just solution to the Palestinian issue.
Hamas Political Office and Arab Peace Initiative
The spokesperson reaffirmed that the presence of Hamas’ political office in Doha is exclusively linked to mediation efforts, and not related to any Arab-Israeli normalization. He added that the Arab Peace Initiative remains on the table, which includes establishing a permanent Palestinian state, emphasizing that Palestinian consent is essential for any discussion about Israel’s integration into the region or establishing normal relations.
