Qatar's prime minister said on Wednesday that the only way to reach a peaceful solution in Gaza is to keep communication channels open, condemning “the collective punishment policy” on the Palestinian enclave.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who is also the minister of foreign affairs, said in a press conference with his Turkish counterpart in Doha that Qatar will continue coordinating with Türkiye and regional partners to de-escalate the crisis.
He added: "Qatar condemns the collective punishment policy" on Gaza.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in the joint press conference with Sheikh Mohammed that an Israeli ground operation into Gaza would turn the fighting there into a massacre.
Fidan said that those supporting Israel's actions under the pretense of solidarity are "accomplices to its crimes.”
Sheikh Mohammed said that hostage negotiations with Hamas over the more than 200 people it took hostage during its Oct. 7 attack on Israel continue.
“Regarding the progress on the hostage negotiation, it’s still ongoing,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “If we compare where we started and where we are right now, there is some progress and some breakthrough and we will remain hopeful.”
He added: “The negotiations are still ongoing and at any moment of time, I think that if we will be able to get along between the two parties, I think we will see some breakthroughs hopefully soon.”
