Israel-Hamas war resumption has complicated efforts to mediate, says Qatari PM to Blinken during phone call

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and discussed the war against Hamas in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Both the leaders also emphasised on the need for de-escalation and a ceasefire.

Qatar committed to restore ‘calm’

The Qatari PM told Blinken that his country, alongside other mediation partners, was committed to the ongoing efforts to restore “calm” in the region.

The Israel-Hamas war started on 7 October after the attack by the Palestinian terrorist group, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the abduction of about 240 Israel and foreign hostages.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Blinken confirmed talking to Qatari PM about the ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return of all hostages and further increase levels of aid to civilians in Gaza.

Spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani about ongoing efforts to facilitate the safe return of all hostages and further increase levels of aid to civilians in Gaza.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) December 4, 2023

According to the US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken also “reiterated his gratitude for Qatar’s partnership and critical efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and enable the recent humanitarian pause in Gaza."

Late last month, Qatar brokered a deal between Israel, Hamas and Egypt, in coordination with the United States, to release foreign nationals and critically injured Palestinian civilians from Gaza to Egypt.

The Israel-Hamas truce that began on 24 November lasted for a week and secured the release of more than 100 hostages, mostly women and children from Gaza.

The ceasefire came to an end after Hamas, as per the provisions of the deal, did not provide a list of hostages expected for release the next day.

As per the deal, for each hostage, Israel was asked to release three Palestinian prisoners.

Israel claimed that Hamas had refused to release additional female abductees and two remaining child hostages, as part of the deal, and thus violated the agreement.

On Friday (1 December), moments before the pause in fighting came to an end, Hamas fired rockets into Israel following which Israel resumed its air and land operation in Gaza.

In his conversation with Blinken, the Qatari PM expressed concern that the resumption of fighting after that humanitarian pause has complicated mediation efforts and worsens the humanitarian crisis.

Al-Thani also conveyed Qatar's condemnation of all forms of targeting civilians, especially women and children, saying actions such as these, including the policy of collective punishment, are unacceptable under any circumstances.

The statement by the Qatari PM underscored the urgent requirement for opening humanitarian corridors to ensure the safe passage of relief and aid to Palestinians affected by the ongoing conflict.

With inputs from agencies