Qatar’s Prime Minister says the current phase of the ongoing talks on Gaza might lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
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Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, walk to the Treaty Room at the State Department, January 29, 2024, in Washington, DC (AP)
The current stage of the ceasefire talks in Gaza may lead to a permanent ceasefire in the future in Gaza, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on Tuesday.
He added that progress has been made in laying the groundwork for moving forward, especially on the prisoner swap, adding that the talks have improved compared to previous weeks. However, he emphasized that the current escalation in Gaza will not lead to any progress on the matter.
According to the Qatari premier, the intensity of the war has made the situation “more complicated,” but the talks have moved to a place “that could lead us to a ceasefire,” noting that it was difficult to predict Hamas’ response, but the mediators are committed to continuing their efforts.
He touched on Qatar’s role as a mediator that does not exert pressure on the talking parties, saying: “We are a mediator trying to bridge the gap, and we cannot impose anything on any party because we have no influence over anyone.”
NBC News reported on Monday, citing knowledgeable sources, that US, Israeli, Egyptian, and Qatari officials have reached an agreement in Paris outlining the framework for a new prisoner swap agreement.
According to the source, the agreement involves a phased release of the remaining Israeli captives and will be accompanied by incremental ceasefires, humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners.
A draft is being presented to the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas today, according to NBC News. Historically, the resistance group has insisted on an immediate permanent ceasefire as a prerequisite, which could potentially be a deal-breaker.
The negotiating team comprised the Qatari Prime Minister and the heads of intelligence agencies from the countries involved, including the CIA’s Bill Burns, Mossad’s David Barnea, and the head of Egyptian intelligence, Abbas Kamel.
Resistance turns down one-sided proposal
Last Tuesday, the Hamas Resistance movement rejected an Israeli one-sided proposal for a two-month ceasefire, noting that the unconditional release of remaining captives requires that a permanent ceasefire comes into force.
“Israel” reportedly offered to implement a two-month ceasefire on the condition that the Palestinian resistance releases all remaining captives in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
As part of the proposal, Yahya al-Sinwar and other high-ranking leaders in Gaza would have the opportunity to relocate to other countries.
A source who spoke on condition of anonymity told the Associated Press that leaders of the Palestinian resistance refused to leave Gaza and are insisting on “Israel’s” complete withdrawal from the territory, along with the allowance for Palestinians to return to their homes.
Operation against US forces
Additionally, the Qatari official addressed the US’ possible response to the operation launched against its forces on the Jordanian-Syrian border area.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Sunday evening that three US soldiers had been killed, while at least 25 have been injured in northeastern Jordan near the Syrian border.
“On Jan. 28, three US service members were killed and 25 injured from a one-way attack UAS that impacted at a base in northeast Jordan, near the Syria border,” CENTCOM said before adding that the identity of those killed while deployed will not be revealed for 24 hours.
Later, citing a US official, Reuters reported that the number of US soldiers injured in the drone attack in north East Jordan rose to 34.
US President Joe Biden has blamed “radical Iran-backed militant groups operating in Syria and Iraq,” likely referring to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, which announced earlier this month that they would escalate their attacks after the US conducted several raids in Iraq and assassinated a military official in central Baghdad.
The US President also reaffirmed that the US forces are now “still gathering the facts of this attack,” stressing, “We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt — we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing.”
