Qatari Official Says Renewed Mediation Efforts between Israel and Hamas Still in Early Stages

Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on Al Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, 07 December 2024. (EPA)
Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on Al Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, 07 December 2024. (EPA)
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Qatari Official Says Renewed Mediation Efforts between Israel and Hamas Still in Early Stages

Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on Al Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, 07 December 2024. (EPA)
Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on Al Maghazi refugee camp, central Gaza Strip, 07 December 2024. (EPA)

Majed bin Mohammed al-Ansari, Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman, said the revived efforts to push for a ceasefire between the two sides were still in the early stages despite e new “momentum."

Qatar recently renewed its role as mediator after suspending efforts last month in frustration over what it said was a lack of willingness by the sides to make progress.

Al-Ansari said his government has been only engaging with the individual sides. However, he said he hoped to see mediation kick into gear in a “more detailed manner” by next week.

Al-Ansari said while it was still too early to provide details on postwar Gaza, his government has had discussions about its general position.

He said there needs to be a “Palestinian decision” on who will govern, with the West Bank and Gaza under a unified leadership.

He also said Qatar, which played a big role in rebuilding Gaza after previous conflicts, would be open to joining a broader reconstruction effort if political conditions allow.

“We will support any international effort when it comes to rebuilding,” he added. “We will not abandon the Palestinian people. We will not abandon the people of Gaza. But this time, it needs to be an international effort.”

“The whole international community should be supportive of whatever governance model is chosen by the Palestinian people,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum.



Saudi Arabia Demands End to Israeli Violations in the Region 

Palestinians look at the damage of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians look at the damage of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP)
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Saudi Arabia Demands End to Israeli Violations in the Region 

Palestinians look at the damage of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP)
Palestinians look at the damage of a house destroyed by an Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Monday, June 16, 2025. (AP)

Saudi Arabia condemned the ongoing violations committed by Israel, including forced displacement, unlawful annexation, settlement expansion, and repeated assaults on unarmed civilians, which it described as “blatant breaches of all principles of international law.”

Permanent Representative to the United Nations and international organizations in Geneva Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila delivered the remarks before the UN Human Rights Council on Tuesday. The council was meeting for a session on the human rights situation in Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.

Khothaila stressed the “Kingdom’s firm position that a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause cannot be achieved without ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.”

“The Kingdom calls on the international community to assume its moral and legal responsibilities to halt the escalating Israeli crimes and violations in the region,” he added.

He urged “support for international efforts aimed at an immediate cessation of military escalation that threatens the security of civilians, as well as regional and international stability and peace.”