Qatar Questions Feasibility of Gaza Mediation After Israeli Strike
Qatar's Foreign Minister has voiced significant concerns regarding Israel's actions in Gaza, suggesting they could foster further instability and derail peace efforts.
Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has expressed serious reservations about the viability of ongoing mediation between Israel and Hamas following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a prominent figure in the Palestinian movement, during an Israeli strike in Tehran.
In a statement on the social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the challenges of mediation under such conditions. "Political assassinations and the relentless targeting of civilians in Gaza cast doubt on how mediation can succeed when one party eliminates the negotiator of the other party. Peace requires serious partners."
Qatar, alongside Egypt and the United States, has been actively engaged in negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza. As a crucial mediator for Hamas, Qatar’s involvement has been pivotal. However, the recent killing of Haniyeh, who was based in Qatar, has thrown these efforts into uncertainty.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the assassination, calling it "a heinous crime" and "a blatant violation of international and humanitarian law." The ministry stressed that Israel's actions, which continue to target civilians in Gaza, are likely to incite further disorder in the region and undermine peace initiatives.
"Israel's reckless behavior and the assassination of a key negotiator render the continuation of mediation efforts seemingly futile," the statement read. It reiterated Qatar's unwavering stance against violence, terrorism, and political assassinations, regardless of the motives behind them.
Qatar has hosted Hamas' political bureau since 2012, following the closure of the movement's office in Damascus. Haniyeh was in Tehran for the inauguration ceremony of President Massoud Pezeshkian when the assassination occurred. Iranian media reported that the strike targeted residences for war veterans in northern Tehran, where Haniyeh was staying.
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remains dire. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported a death toll of 39,445 with 91,073 injured since October 7 due to the ongoing Israeli offensive. In the past 24 hours alone, 45 people have died, and 77 have been injured as attacks on the Strip continue. Many victims remain trapped under rubble, with emergency services struggling to reach them.