Doha: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari confirmed that the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) has informed the mediators of its approval of the new proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He stated that the proposal is the best possible option to prevent further bloodshed in the Strip amidst ongoing military escalation.
According to Qatar News Agency, the new proposal includes a temporary 60-day ceasefire, during which prisoners and hostages will be exchanged, Israeli forces will reposition, and humanitarian aid will be intensified. Dr. Al Ansari noted that Hamas' response was very positive, aligning closely with the terms previously approved by Israel. However, the mediators are still awaiting an official response from Israel.
Dr. Al Ansari highlighted that the region is at a critical humanitarian juncture, and failure to reach an agreement could lead to an unprecedented catastrophe. He emphasized Qatar's continuous efforts in collaboration with Egypt, the United States, and other international entities to push for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid entry.
The timing of Israel's response remains unspecified, but discussions are ongoing. Dr. Al Ansari expressed optimism for a swift and positive reply, noting that about 98% of the proposal has already been agreed upon by Israel previously. The mediation is in the phase of exchanging responses, with a technical phase to follow if an agreement is reached.
The anticipated agreement will be under international sponsorship, primarily from the United States, although previous experiences have shown that the true guarantee lies in the commitment from both parties. Dr. Al Ansari mentioned ongoing direct contact between Qatar and the US administration to advance negotiations.
The spokesperson stressed that while the positive response from Hamas is encouraging, the resolution hinges on Israel's reply. Elements related to the peace plan, such as the exchange of hostages and implementation mechanisms, are crucial. There is hope these efforts will succeed, unlike previous attempts.
Regarding the American envoy's visit to Doha or Cairo, Dr. Al Ansari said there are no confirmations yet, but communication with the envoy continues daily. He also noted that media statements from various parties are not the focus of the mediation, which prioritizes official responses.
Dr. Al Ansari reiterated that the primary goal is to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible to prevent further humanitarian losses due to the ongoing conflict. He confirmed that the proposal accepted by Hamas includes a comprehensive plan to end the war.
On Arab and Islamic coordination, Dr. Al Ansari referred to a statement issued by 31 Arab and Islamic countries condemning Israeli Prime Minister's statements about Greater Israel. He emphasized near-daily coordination between Arab and Islamic foreign ministers and their counterparts in friendly countries to unify positions against Israeli escalation.
Dr. Al Ansari also addressed the US-Russia summit and Qatar's hope for a comprehensive solution to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, reiterating Qatar's call for peaceful solutions. He highlighted Qatar's humanitarian efforts, such as reuniting children affected by war with their families.
In addition, Dr. Al Ansari mentioned Qatar's support for the peace process in the Republic of the Congo, with ongoing efforts to facilitate negotiations and support sustainable agreements.
Earlier in the media briefing, Dr. Al Ansari reviewed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' activities, including meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and participation in ceasefire negotiations in Egypt. Discussions also involved bilateral relations with Turkey and the Netherlands, focusing on resolving the Palestinian issue through peaceful means.