Qatar mediates in the Gaza war and is committed to the well-being of the Palestinian population. Now the Prime Minister of the Gulf Emirate warns: Israel’s war goal of destroying the terrorist organization Hamas is unlikely to be achieved.
“You won’t be able to destroy Hamas that easily. Whether we agree with her or not, she is part of the society in Gaza and also in the West Bank,” Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (Monday) .
Qatar developed its relationship with Hamas “to maintain peace and stability in the region.” If his country saw a war breaking out, these communication channels would be used – as in the past.
“You don’t have to like each other”
Referring to the Israeli government, Al Thani said there is no need to like each other. He cannot agree with a policy that refuses to even take into account the Palestinian people’s right to a state of their own and that protects “criminal land grabs by settlers” in the West Bank. “But ultimately we have a working relationship. We have contacts and work with them for the benefit of the Palestinians. And Israel knows how effective this working relationship is.” Al Thani added that Israel “has repeatedly asked Qatar for help in ensuring peace in Gaza and the region in recent years.” “We deliver. We save lives. We have had difficult negotiations.”
When asked whether Qatar had any sympathies for Hamas, Al Thani replied: “We sympathize with the Palestinian people and the Palestinian cause. We sympathize with the people who have been suffering for decades. And we will do whatever it takes to help the Palestinian people. Our support is not for political parties or political ideologies.”
Accusations of double standards
Al Thani criticized the Europeans for not criticizing Israel strongly enough for its behavior in the Gaza war. “There appear to be different standards for obligations under international humanitarian law. “I’m sorry to say this, but there is great disappointment here,” he said, calling on states in the region to promote a solution to the conflict. “It is time for us as a region to do our duty – and for Israel to do its duty to make peace possible.”
Hope for a solution
Al Thani believes an extension of the ceasefire, which expires on Tuesday, is possible. With the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages from the Gaza Strip and the pause in fighting, “at least we have managed to create a positive dynamic.” He now hopes to be able to build on that. “Now that the hostages are being released and there is a lull in the fighting, we may be able to find a solution.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
