Qatar’s foreign ministry declared on Tuesday that Israel should have already ceased operations in Gaza, in accordance with US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for Qatar’s foreign ministry, addressed reporters in Doha, stating that the ceasefire question should go directly to the Israeli government.
“The Israeli occupation government was supposed to cease fire already,” al-Ansari said, arguing this must happen if Israeli leaders truly support the Trump peace plan.
Ongoing Negotiations in Egypt
Indirect talks between Hamas and Israel are currently taking place in Egypt, focusing on Trump’s 20-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza and establishing a roadmap for its post-war governance. After Hamas agreed on Friday to discuss freeing hostages under Trump’s plan, President Trump called on Israel to cease fire in Gaza. He posted on his Truth Social platform, stating, “Israel must immediately stop the bombing of Gaza, so that we can get the hostages out safely and quickly!”
Al-Ansari expressed caution regarding the ongoing peace talks in Egypt, saying, “I have no doubt that this round of negotiations is a process in which all parties are strongly commit to reaching a consensus.” However, he acknowledged that many details require careful consideration, adding that the plan’s clauses “require practical interpretation on the ground, which of course requires communication with all parties.”
Future of Hamas’s Bureau in Doha
Al-Ansari mentioned that it is still “early” to discuss the future of Hamas’s political bureau in Doha after Israel targeted the group’s leadership in the Qatari capital last month. The Hamas bureau, which Qatar hosts with US approval, has played a crucial role in mediating the conflict. Al-Ansari stated, “As long as there is a need for a channel of communication with Hamas, there is a need for this.”
