Doha: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari reaffirmed Qatar's refusal to partake in any political bargaining, maintaining that the country is steadfast in its ongoing mediation efforts concerning the Gaza Strip, even amidst challenging negotiations.
According to Qatar News Agency, Dr. Al Ansari, during a media briefing by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that Qatar's dealings with other nations are conducted institutionally and highlighted the nation's recognized role in global diplomacy. He dismissed allegations against Qatar by certain politicians as baseless attempts to gain political leverage, asserting that Qatar would not be dragged into irrelevant internal political matters.
Dr. Al Ansari reiterated Qatar's clear stance from the onset of the war, emphasizing the collaborative mediation efforts with Egypt and the United States aimed at ceasing the conflict in Gaza and paving the way for peace. He underscored the international acknowledgment of Qatar's integrity in these efforts, which transcends affiliations to specific parties, and noted the significance of statements from various figures, including the Israeli President, within this context.
He praised Qatar's widely acknowledged mediation achievements, including facilitating two ceasefires and the release of over 130 hostages. Dr. Al Ansari questioned the effectiveness of military efforts in achieving similar results, pointing out the substantial impact of mediation in securing the release of Palestinian prisoners, delivering aid, and ceasing hostilities.
Dr. Al Ansari reiterated Qatar's dedication to its mediation role in Gaza in partnership with regional and international allies, undeterred by Israeli comments or attempts to tarnish the mediators' image. He highlighted ongoing communications involving Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani with regional and international counterparts to halt the conflict, opposing the weaponization of aid during this period.
He emphasized Qatar's firm opposition to the use of aid as a bargaining tool in conflicts, stressing the need for international pressure to ensure the prompt delivery of aid to Gaza. Dr. Al Ansari acknowledged that internal political dynamics in Israel fuel the accusations against Qatar, yet affirmed that Qatar remains focused on mediation efforts to secure a lasting peace in Gaza.
Dr. Al Ansari also remarked on the importance of Qatar's diplomatic presence in mediation efforts and dismissed accusations against Qatar as ineffectual in undermining its international reputation. He highlighted the crucial role of Qatar's mediation efforts beyond the immediate conflict resolution.
Additionally, Dr. Al Ansari discussed the significance of the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's visit to Russia, aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and bolstering Qatar's mediation initiatives, including efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
In other developments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs facilitated several high-level meetings, including discussions with representatives from Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Italy, Togo, and the United Nations, focusing on regional cooperation, development, and international diplomacy. Notably, political consultations between Qatar and Sweden explored avenues for enhancing bilateral relations.