The ongoing discussions between Gaza mediators and representatives from Israel and Hamas are focused on capitalizing on the recent ceasefire in Iran. According to Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, there is a concerted effort to forge a lasting truce in Palestinian territories.
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On Tuesday, Israel and Iran reached a ceasefire, facilitated by the United States and Qatar. This agreement followed a significant missile strike launched by Iran towards Qatar, aimed at an American military base. As tensions escalated, the ceasefire marked a pivotal moment in a conflict that has drawn international attention.
The missile attack, unprecedented on Qatari soil, came after a series of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which elicited strong promises of retaliation from Tehran. In a recent interview with AFP, al-Ansari noted, “Doha, along with fellow mediators in Washington and Cairo, is currently trying to use the momentum created by the ceasefire between Iran and Israel to restart talks regarding Gaza.”
Amidst this backdrop, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism, suggesting that an agreement involving Israel and Hamas might materialize as soon as next week. “The path to a ceasefire in Gaza is clearer now than it has been in recent months,” he remarked.
Negotiators have engaged in extensive discussions with the warring factions, aiming to terminate a prolonged conflict that has lasted for 20 months. Mr. Ansari pointed out, “While there are no current conversations happening between the sides, Qatar remains deeply involved, communicating with each party individually.”
‘The Right Pressure’
A truce agreed upon in January, which coincided with President Trump taking office, ultimately fell apart by March following an uptick in military operations from Israel. Reflecting on this, Ansari commented, “We have seen how U.S. pressure can yield tangible results,” referencing the earlier agreement that led to the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
Al-Ansari reiterated that under the current conditions, particularly with the U.S. playing a role in enforcing the Israel-Iran ceasefire, “it is not a far-fetched idea that American pressure could also lead to a renewed truce in Gaza.” He emphasized, “We are closely collaborating with them to ensure that the right pressure is applied by the international community, especially from the U.S., to bring both parties to the negotiating table.”
On a recent Monday, no casualties were reported after Iran’s missile strike on Al Udeid, the largest U.S. military base in the region. As leaders deliberated their responses to the attack, a call from the U.S. president to Qatar’s emir signified a turning point, indicating “there is a possibility for regional stability… and that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire.”
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Ansari stated, “Qatar had the option to escalate the situation. However, recognizing the potential for peace, we chose a different path.”
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
