Qatar, UN discuss ending Gaza war

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres yesterday regarding “joint mediation efforts to end the war on Gaza,” Anadolu reported.

During the call, the officials reviewed the latest developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, according to a statement issued by Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, particularly focusing on “joint mediation efforts to end the war on Gaza, the release of prisoners and detainees, and the sustainable delivery of aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip.”

Additionally, the conversation touched on “the latest developments in the region,” though no further details were provided.

Indirect negotiations between Tel Aviv and Hamas, led by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, have stalled due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s insistence on continuing the war in Gaza. Netanyahu is particularly focused on maintaining control over the Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors in the southern and central areas of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the return of displaced persons without restrictions.

Israel estimates that 101 prisoners of war remain held in Gaza, while Hamas has reported that dozens of captives have been killed in indiscriminate Israeli air strikes.

READ: Qatar urges world to show ‘courage, political will’ to end Israel war on Gaza