Qatari Official Says Renewed Mediation Efforts between Israel and Hamas Still in Early Stageshttps://english.aawsat.com/gulf/5089419-qatari-official-says-renewed-mediation-efforts-between-israel-and-hamas-still-early
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)
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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)
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.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (R) meets with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah (L) at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Lebanon, 23 January 2025. (EPA)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah expressed on Thursday the Kingdom’s optimism over Lebanon’s future.
Prince Faisal was in Lebanon on Thursday on an official visit, the first by a Saudi FM in 15 years.
He held separate meetings with President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, caretaker PM Najib Mikati and parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.
Saudi Arabia is a member of the quintet that helped end Lebanon’s presidential vacuum earlier this month when Aoun was elected. Lebanon is passing through a transition that requires serious support to consolidate its international commitments in implementing United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, deploying the army to the South, reconstructing the country after the war between Israel and Hezbollah and carrying out reforms.
Meeting with Aoun, Prince Faisal underscored the Saudi leadership’s keenness on Lebanon returning as a model for the region and an example of coexistence and prosperity.
He hailed Aoun’s leadership and inaugural speech which set Lebanon on the right path.
“The Kingdom will stand by Lebanon and follow step by step as it moves along this new path,” he added.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Lebanese parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in Beirut, Lebanon, January 23, 2025. (Lebanese Parliament/Handout via Reuters)
Moreover, he underlined the importance of the reforms that the new government will carry out upon its formation, conveying the openness of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to suggestions that would lead Lebanon to a prosperous future.
The Saudi leadership is looking forward to meeting with Aoun to set the foundations for cooperation between their countries, remarked Prince Faisal.
“Despite the challenges we are facing in the region, the Kingdom is looking at Lebanon's future with optimism under the reformist approach that came in the president's speech after his inauguration,” he stressed.
“These reforms will boost the confidence of Lebanon's partners and open space for the country to regain its rightful place in the Arab and international spheres,” he added.
“We are confident the Lebanese leadership will seize the opportunity and work seriously to bolster Lebanon’s security and sovereignty and safeguard its institutions,” he remarked.
For his part, Aoun hoped relations between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon will become stronger in all fields and for Saudis to return to visit Lebanon once again.
He expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia in helping Lebanon, especially in ending the presidential vacuum that stretched for over two years.
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah meets with Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, at Salam's house in Beirut, Lebanon January 23, 2025. (Reuters)
He described Prince Faisal’s visit as a message of hope to Lebanon, recalling the historic bonds between their countries.
Before his departure, the FM conveyed the greetings of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed over his election, wishing him success and that he would meet the aspirations of the people in achieving stability and progress in Lebanon.
Furthermore, he stressed to Aoun the importance of committing to the ceasefire agreement with Israel, including the implementation of resolution 1701 and relevant international agreements.
Meeting with Berri, Prince Faisal discussed with the speaker the latest developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as bilateral relations between Riyadh and Beirut.
Prince Faisal is set to leave for Syria later on Friday.
