Qatar resumes Gaza cease-fire mediation after month-long pause

By Ibrahim Khazen

CAIRO (AA) - Qatar has recommitted to its role in mediating the Gaza cease-fire negotiations, as announced by Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during the opening of the 22nd Doha Forum on Saturday.

This move comes after Qatar had suspended its mediation efforts nearly a month ago, citing a lack of "seriousness" from the parties involved in the negotiations.

Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that Qatar’s decision to re-enter the talks was driven by a renewed momentum in the negotiations, particularly following the election of US President Donald Trump.

In his address, the Qatari Prime Minister highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing that its impact is spreading to neighboring Lebanon and Syria. He underscored the urgent need to make every possible effort to end the suffering of the people in Gaza.

The Doha Forum 2024, which will span two days, is being held in Doha under the theme “The Inevitability of Innovation.” Over 4,500 participants from more than 150 countries, including seven heads of state, seven prime ministers, and 15 foreign ministers, are expected to attend, according to official details.

Mediation efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to reach a cease-fire and a prisoner swap agreement between Israel and Hamas have failed due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to halt the ongoing conflict.

Israel has been conducting a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of more than 44,600 people, the majority of whom are women and children, since October 7, 2023.

Last month, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.