Watan-The spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majid Al-Ansari, confirmed that reaching a ceasefire or agreement to halt the violence in Gaza between Hamas and Israel would be difficult. He noted at the same time that it also “will not be imminent.”
Speaking to Becky Anderson on CNN, Majid Al-Ansari stated that Qatar’s efforts to reach an agreement to halt the violence in Gaza are ongoing, “but the situation on the ground is complex.”
Al-Ansari also denied rumors suggesting the imminent arrival of a ceasefire in Gaza, adding, “But we are optimistic.”
Majed Al Ansari is the Qatari diplomat at the heart of ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. He tells me despite their best efforts, the parties involved are “nowhere near a deal” for a Gaza ceasefire, despite trying to get one before Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/0IXEGMgA8U
— Becky Anderson (@BeckyCNN) March 12, 2024
The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson emphasized that Qatar is working towards “a permanent cessation of hostilities in Gaza, not a short-lived ceasefire lasting a few days.”
Additionally, Al-Ansari, who is a Qatari diplomat involved in the negotiations, mentioned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is one of those who hold the “keys to reaching an agreement” to halt the violence in Gaza.
He said, “I urge him and others to come to the table now because every passing day poses a danger to the lives of hostages and civilians in Gaza.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is one of those who has “the keys to securing a deal” for a Gaza ceasefire, says Majed Al Ansari, the Qatari diplomat at the heart of negotiations. He urges him and others to come to the table now, because “every day that goes by is a… pic.twitter.com/8OX5aa3y7M
— Becky Anderson (@BeckyCNN) March 12, 2024
The number of casualties from the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has risen to 31,112 martyrs and 72,760 injured for the 158th consecutive day, and on the second day of Ramadan.
The occupation committed 7 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 67 martyrs and 106 injuries in the past 24 hours. In addition, there are casualties under the rubble and on the roads as the occupation still prevents the arrival of ambulance and civil defense teams to them.