In a lengthy official statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced last night that it was suspending its mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, blaming Israel and Hamas for the lack of good faith on both sides. However, the ministry’s spokesman, Majed Bin Mohammad Al-Ansari, said that when Israel and Hamas decide to show goodwill, then Qatar will continue its diplomatic efforts.
Not wanted in the country
The Emirate’s announcement yesterday put an end – at least for the time being – to ongoing press leaks that have prompted the current government to tell Hamas representatives that they are unwelcome in the country and should leave soon. Already yesterday evening, Israeli state television and the Arab newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat insisted that the possibility of moving the organization’s main delegation to another country in the region had begun with Syria, Iran and Algeria being the most more. discussion or Turkey.
In particular, the possibility of establishing a Hamas leadership in Turkey was mentioned especially in the Israeli state media, which rushed to seek comments from the diplomatic circles of the State Department, which allegedly “do not look favorably on such a development”. However, the interest shown by journalistic circles in Israel, the United States and Saudi Arabia regarding the possibility that Turkey is ready to host Hamas was not justified. When the question of whether Qatar would want to continue hosting the Palestinian organization came up in the past, its leader at the time, Ismail Haniyeh, immediately went to Turkey, to find out the mood of the Erdogan administration.
Egypt promotes the incorporation of Gaza into the Palestinian Authority
Parallel mobility in the second intermediary country is also considered. Of interest are information broadcast in the Israeli and Arab media, which led Egypt to declare its willingness to train a Palestinian Authority police force on its territory. The ultimate goal of this proposal would be to maintain order for the Palestinian Authority police in post-war Gaza.
It seems that the Biden administration, in Britain and Canada, maintains a positive attitude towards this Egyptian proposal, whose officials participated in Cairo in relevant meetings with local actors of the country’s security services. On the other hand, the Israeli state media interprets the information coming from Egypt as a clear indication of the Biden administration and many other countries in the West that they want to entrust the new governance to the Palestinian Authority of the Gaza Strip as soon as possible.
However, the Israeli side refuses to give the “green light” to such a development, believing that it will be better to meet the wishes of Israel, to wait until January 20, 2025 - the day he takes his presidential duties in the White House. the newly elected, Donald Trump.
Source: German wave
Interview between Time.news Editor and Middle East Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. To start, could you provide us with an overview of Qatar’s recent decision regarding its mediation efforts in Gaza?
Expert: Certainly! Qatar’s Foreign Ministry announced a suspension of its mediation for a ceasefire in Gaza, citing a lack of good faith from both Israel and Hamas. Majed Bin Mohammad Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the ministry, emphasized that Qatar is ready to resume its diplomatic efforts if both sides demonstrate goodwill.
Editor: That’s quite significant. Given Qatar’s historical role in mediating conflicts in the region, what implications might this suspension have for the ongoing situation in Gaza?
Expert: This suspension signifies a critical juncture. Qatar has been an important player in mediating communications and resources between Hamas and other stakeholders. With their withdrawal, there could be a vacuum in diplomatic efforts that may lead to escalated tensions. Moreover, it reflects broader geopolitical shifts, as Qatar seems to be reassessing its alliances and strategies in light of recent developments.
Editor: Interesting. I’ve read that there are discussions about Hamas potentially relocating its leadership. Can you elaborate on where these discussions are leading?
Expert: Yes, there have indeed been reports about Hamas considering moving its leadership to other countries, with Turkey, Syria, Iran, and Algeria being mentioned as possible options. Israeli media has particularly focused on Turkey, although the U.S. State Department has expressed concerns about this development. This situation echoes past instances when Hamas leaders sought refuge in Turkey to gauge the political climate there, especially under President Erdogan’s administration.
Editor: And what about Egypt’s role in this evolving scenario?
Expert: Egypt is positioning itself as a stabilizing force. There have been indications that Egypt is willing to train a Palestinian Authority (PA) police force to help maintain order in Gaza post-conflict. This proposal has garnered support from the Biden administration, British officials, and Canada. They aim to facilitate the transition of governance in Gaza to the PA, viewing it as a necessary step toward establishing lasting peace and order.
Editor: Now, the prospect of a Palestinian Authority governance in Gaza is quite contentious. How has this been perceived by the parties involved, especially in Israel?
Expert: Indeed, this notion isn’t without its controversies. The Israeli media tends to interpret Egypt’s initiatives as an indication of broader international support for the PA’s governance in Gaza, signaling a shift toward more moderate leadership. However, there’s resistance within Israel regarding the PA’s capabilities and credibility to effectively govern Gaza, particularly in a post-war context.
Editor: So, we’re witnessing a complex interplay of diplomatic maneuvers involving multiple countries, with Qatar stepping back and Egypt potentially stepping up. What do you foresee as the next steps in this situation?
Expert: The key will lie in the willingness of Hamas and Israel to return to constructive dialogue. Until we see signs of goodwill from both B sides, any effort—including Egypt’s proposal—will face significant challenges. Ultimately, the future of Gaza and the broader region will heavily depend on regional cooperation and the engagement of international powers in facilitating a stable and peaceful resolution.
Editor: Thank you for your insights! This is an ever-evolving situation, and we appreciate your expertise in helping us understand these dynamics.
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s always important to keep the dialogue open surrounding these critical issues.