Tag: Qatar

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Hamas Office in Doha Not Fully Closed, Says Qatar

A Qatari official noted that the leaders of Hamas’s negotiating team are currently not in Doha and are instead moving between various capitals….reports Asian Lite News

A spokesperson from the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that the Hamas political office in Doha has not been permanently closed.

“If Hamas’s political office were to be closed, it would be announced by the Qatari Foreign Ministry, not through other channels,” Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari was quoted by Al Jazeera as saying.

He added, “the leaders of the Hamas negotiating team are not currently in Doha and are moving between various capitals.”

Responding to the suspension of Qatar’s mediation efforts to Gaza ceasefire talks, Al Ansari said it “was attributed to the lack of seriousness from the involved parties,” reiterating the country’s consistent stance and calling for a ceasefire and the facilitation of aid into the Gaza Strip, Xinhua news agency reported.

The ministry announced earlier this month that Qatar’s mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel are currently “stalled.”

ALSO READ: Putin signs new Russian nuclear doctrine

Categories
-Top News Arab News India News

India holds 5th Foreign Office Consultations with Qatar

During the FOCs, both sides comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of India-Qatar bilateral relations…reports Asian Lite News

India and Qatar held the 5th Round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) on Sunday in Doha, a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The FOC was co-chaired by Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, and Ahmad Hassen Al-Hammadi, Secretary General in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of the State of Qatar.

During the FOCs, both sides comprehensively reviewed the entire gamut of India-Qatar bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, trade, investment, energy, education, culture and people-to-people ties. The two sides also discussed avenues to deepen the bilateral relationship in areas such as renewable energy, fin-tech, start-ups and technology.

They also exchanged perspectives on important regional and global issues of mutual interest, as per the statement.

India and Qatar share close historical and multifaceted relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Qatar in February 2024 and met with Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar visited Doha on June 30 and held talks with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, as per the statement.

Bilateral trade between India and Qatar stands at about USD 14 billion per annum and mutual investments between the two countries have continued to increase. Both sides also share a strong partnership in the energy sector.

The presence of a large Indian community in Qatar is a testament to the strong people-to-people ties. The discussions held today will contribute towards further strengthening of the India-Qatar bilateral partnership, the statement said.

Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date, the statement added.

The Indian Embassy in Doha said in a post on X, “Consular, Passport and Visa Division and Overseas Indian Affairs and Qatar’s Secretary General, MoFA HE Ahmad Hassen Al Hammadi co-chaired 5th FOCs between India and Qatar in Doha today. Both sides reviewed all aspects of strong and multifaceted bilateral ties. They also exchanged views on regional & global issues of mutual interest.” (ANI)

ALSO READ: Harris Pulls Out All the Stops in Election Finale

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Qatar Emir: Region Facing ‘Collective Genocide’

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani emphasised that Qatar had long warned about Israel’s “impunity” in the region….reports Asian Lite News

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, speaking at the Asia Cooperation Dialogue summit in Doha, referred to the ongoing Middle East crisis as a “collective genocide.”

He condemned the situation in Gaza, accusing Israel of turning the area into an uninhabitable zone, possibly to force displacement. The Emir emphasised that Qatar had long warned about Israel’s “impunity” in the region, Reuters reported.

He also criticised Israeli air strikes and military actions against Lebanon, calling them acts of aggression against a “brotherly nation.”

Israel has rejected accusations of genocide, pointing to its military response following a Hamas attack last year that killed 1,200 Israelis and led to the capture of over 250 hostages.

Since the conflict began, over 41,500 Gazans have been killed, according to health authorities in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.

This week, Israeli forces also carried out ground operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, in response to the Iran-backed group’s attacks, which Hezbollah claims are in solidarity with Palestinians.

Iran does not seek war: Pezeshkian

 Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that Iran does not seek war, but will respond if Israel acts against the country.

Pezeshkian made the remarks here on Wednesday following his meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani during his official two-day visit, which aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and regional cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to Iranian media, before his departure, Pezeshkian stated: “We will pursue two goals in this trip. The first is to engage in dialogue with the Qatari government on cooperation agreements.”

Secondly, “we will address the critical regional situation, including Israel’s violations of international law and the targeting of innocent civilians,” Pezeshkian said. “If the Zionist regime does not stop its crimes, it will face harsher reactions.”

“Iran is not after war”, Pezeshkian said, stressing that it is Israel which forces Iran to react.

He explained that Iran showed restraint in order for peace to be restored following Israel’s assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran where he attended the inaugural of Pezeshkian a day earlier.

Instead of stopping the killing of people in Gaza and Lebanon, the Israeli regime intensified its attacks at the time when Iran showed restraint, President Pezeshkian said, stressing that the Islamic Republic was forced to respond.

He was referring to Iran’s firing of about 180 missiles at Israeli military and security positions on Tuesday (Oct. 1) in response to the assassinations of Haniyeh and Lebanon’s Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah who lost his life in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on September 27.

If Israel wants to retaliate, Iran will give a more severe response, Pezeshkian said. “And that’s what the Islamic Republic is committed to.”

“The Zionist regime’s vicious goal is to create insecurity and expand crisis in the region, and we should prevent the crisis”, the Iranian president further said, asking the US and Europe to urge Israel to stop killing people and creating insecurity in the region.

Qatar’s Emir emphasized that his country supports de-escalating and protecting peace and security in the region.

Despite efforts by Qatar to de-escalate the situation, Israel has intensified its attacks, he said, urging the regime to stop its brutal war on Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon. He meanwhile stressed that Qatar will continue its mediation efforts aimed at ending the Gaza war and releasing Israeli captives held in the Palestinian territory.

Sheikh Tamim also called on the international community to help stop tensions in West Asia and urge Israel to halt its aggression against Gaza.

Airstrike continues in Beirut

Israel launched an airstrike early Thursday morning targeting the Health Authority Center affiliated with Hezbollah in the al-Bachoura area, central Beirut, causing a massive fire, local media reported.

TV footage showed heavy black smoke rising from the building.

The airstrike also led to significant damage to nearby houses and parked vehicles. Ambulances and civil defence teams have rushed to the area for rescue, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, at least 5 people were killed in the airstrike in the al-Bachoura area.

Shortly before the strike in central Beirut, Israel launched three strong airstrikes on the Haret Hreik area in Beirut’s southern suburbs, Al Jadeed TV channel reported.

ALSO READ: Rights groups commend UAE for pardoning Bangladeshis

Categories
-Top News Arab News USA

US admits Qatar into visa waiver program

Qatar also has played an important role alongside the US in trying to broker a ceasefire to end Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip…reports Asian Lite News

Qatar has become the first Gulf country admitted into the US visa waiver programme, the United States has announced, in a move that will allow Qatari citizens to travel visa-free to the country for up to 90 days.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, the US State Department and the Department of Homeland Security said Qatari citizens would be able to apply no later than December 1.

“Qatar’s fulfillment of the stringent security requirements to join the Visa Waiver Program will deepen our strategic partnership and enhance the flow of people and commerce between our two countries,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.

“Qatar’s entry will make travel between the United States and Qatar safer, more secure, and easier for both Americans and Qataris.” Qatar and the US have enjoyed close ties for years, and Washington formally designated Doha as a “major, non-NATO ally” in 2022 in a sign of the countries’ deepening military and economic partnership.

Qatar also has played an important role alongside the US in trying to broker a ceasefire to end Israel’s war on the Gaza Strip, which is nearing the one-year mark.

In Tuesday’s statement, the administration of US President Joe Biden said Qatar “has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past few years”.

An administration official earlier told reporters the US has a strong defence relationship with Qatar and praised Doha for taking the lead on pressing the Taliban on human rights in Afghanistan and providing assistance in Sudan, among other issues.

Qatar is the 42nd member of the visa waiver programme, with nations added infrequently. Croatia was added in 2021 and Israel joined last year.

To be admitted to the programme, a country must meet strict requirements related to law enforcement, border management, and other issues.

It also requires reciprocity, meaning that American citizens must be granted the same access to visa-free travel as citizens of a country joining the programme.

US citizens can already travel without visas to Qatar, but they will now be allowed to stay in the Gulf country for as many as 90 days – up from 30 days previously, the statement said.

ALSO READ: US seeks stronger ties with Sri Lanka

Categories
Arab News Sport UAE News

UAE defeat Qatar 3-1 at FIFA WC Asian Qualifiers

The match got off to a scrappy start with both sides taking time to settle down at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium….reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Qatar 3-1 in their AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26 Group A tie at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Thursday here.

The match got off to a scrappy start with both sides taking time to settle down at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium.

The first piece of attacking play came from the two-time AFC Asian Cup champions Qatar in the 15th minute that needed a Khalifa Al Hammadi late interception to deny Akram Afif a tap-in.

Afif then served teammate Jassem Gaber a sumptuous cross from the left, only for the latter to power his header over the bar from close range.

Qatar cranked up the pressure and eventually took the lead in the 38th minute when Afif found 18-year-old Ibrahim Al Hassan, who then beat Yahia Nader before slamming an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner.

The opening 15 minutes of the second half saw both sides cancelling each other out with neither goalkeeper, Qatar’s Meshaal Barsham nor Khalid Eisa of UAE called into action.

Just after the hour mark, UAE went close when Abdulla Hamad hit a powerful shot from the edge of the box that hit the side netting as the visitors served up a warning.

Growing in confidence, it was no surprise that UAE found the equaliser in the 68th minute after Harib Abdalla was given space in the box to cut inside before unleashing a powerful shot past Barsham.

The turnaround was completed for UAE in the 80th minute when full-back Khaled Aldhanhani intercepted a pass, burst forward to receive Harib’s return and then unleashed a shot straight into the top corner.

There was drama late in the game when referee Shaun Evans pointed to the spot after he spotted a handball from Nader but following a VAR check, the decision was reversed and with that, so was Qatar’s chance to rescue the game.

UAE went on to add a third in stoppage time through substitute Ali Saleh, benefiting from a defensive mistake to strike his shot into the roof of the net, sealing the win for the Emiratis.

ALSO READ: UAE, Jordan sign investment deal in railway sector

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE, Qatar back Biden’s Gaza truce proposal

The leaders of UAE and Qatar have affirmed the support for all concerted initiatives and efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation in the Gaza Strip…reports Asian Lite News

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, fraternal relations and ways to enhance cooperation and collaboration in various fields to achieve the mutual interests of both countries and their visions for sustainable development and prosperity.

During the meeting, held in Abu Dhabi, Their Highnesses reviewed a number of regional and international issues of mutual concern, particularly the current developments in the Middle East and the repercussions of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

They stressed the importance of intensifying efforts aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and providing full protection for civilians in accordance with the rules of international humanitarian law, in addition to enhancing the response to the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

In this context, the two sides discussed the suggestions presented by US President Joe Biden regarding the crisis in Gaza.

The two leaders affirmed the support of the UAE and Qatar for all concerted initiatives and efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation in the Gaza Strip, protecting the lives of all civilians and ending their suffering, and advancing efforts towards a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution that ensures the security and stability of the region.

The meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court.

Also present werer Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Jassim Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi; Humaid Saeed Al Neyadi, Director of the Office of the Chairman of the Presidential Court; Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the State of Qatar, and Dr. Sultan bin Salmeen Al Mansouri, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the UAE.

Attending the meeting from the Qatari side were H.H. Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Personal Representative of the Emir of Qatar; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and a number of ministers and top officials.

Later, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad left the UAE, and he was seen off at the airport by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and several Sheikhs and senior officials.

Egypt insists on Israel’s withdrawal

Egypt has stressed the need for Israel to withdraw from the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing to resume its operation, the media reported.

A tripartite meeting attended by delegations from Egypt, the US, and Israel was held in Cairo, discussing the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, Egypt’s Al-Qahera News TV channel quoted a high-ranking security source as saying on Sunday.

During the meeting, the Egyptian delegation said Israel is fully responsible for halting the entry of relief materials and humanitarian aid into Gaza, calling for immediate actions to bring at least 350 aid trucks into the strip each day, Xinhua news agency reported.

The crossing, a main gateway for transporting the sick and injured outside Gaza for treatment and delivering humanitarian and relief assistance to the enclave, has been closed since Israel seized control of its Gazan side on May 7.

Israel has launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, after an unprecedented Hamas attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people.

ALSO READ: UAE commits additional $6.2b in industrial offtakes

Categories
-Top News Arab News World News

Qatar, Egypt Press Hamas To Accept Israel’s Ceasefire Proposal

A meeting between the Qatar and Egyptian negotiators with Hamas political head, Ismail Haniyeh was reportedly held on Friday night.

The negotiators from Qatar and Egypt are pushing the Hamas political leadership to accept the ceasefire proposal mooted by Israel at the behest of the United States.

Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and the head of Egyptian intelligence, Major General Abbas Kamel met the Hamas political head, Ismail Haniyeh and pushed the militant group to accept the proposal of Israel for a ceasefire.

Sources in Israel’s PMO told IANS that the meeting between the Qatar and Egyptian negotiators with Haniyeh was held on Friday night.

Israel has given a three-phase ceasefire proposal at the behest of the United States. It included the release of hostages inclusive of women, children, elderly and injured, and that Israel forces would withdraw from the densely populated regions of Gaza including Rafah. There is to be a six-week ceasefire as part of this during the first phase.

The released hostages would include American hostages. In exchange for this, Palestinians would return to their homes from all areas of Gaza including the northern region from where maximum exodus had taken place.

During the six weeks of ceasefire, Israel and Hamas would negotiate the necessary agreements for phase two, which will be a permanent ceasefire.

Qatar and Egyptian negotiators are keen for the permanent ceasefire to happen.

In the second phase, all the hostages would be released and around 900 Palestinian prisoners in Israel jails would also be released. The third phase would lead to the reconstruction plan for Gaza and the release of any remaining hostages.

ALSO READ: UN experts seek sanctions, arms embargo against Israel

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

Qatar, UAE sign double taxation avoidance deal

The signing of the agreement stems from the UAE’s keenness to expand its network of international and Arab relations…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE and the State of Qatar have signed an agreement to avoid double taxation and prevent fiscal evasion of income taxes.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Mohamed Hadi Al Hussaini, UAE Minister of State for Financial Affairs, and His Excellency Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, Qatari Minister of Finance, in the presence of several officials from both sides. This took place on the sidelines of the 121st meeting of the GCC Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee.

Commenting on the agreement signing, His Excellency Mohamed Al Hussaini underscored the agreement’s transformative potential, stating that it will not only enhance financial, economic, and investment partnerships between the UAE and Qatar, but also bolster coordination and cooperation in tax matters, open up new investment opportunities, and stimulate trade. Furthermore, it will play a crucial role in diversifying national income sources and providing comprehensive protection for goods and services.

He pointed out that this agreement contributes to strengthening the economic and trade relations between the two countries and provides full protection for companies and individuals from direct and indirect double taxation.

His Excellency said: “The UAE Ministry of Finance is keen to strengthen its trade and investment relations with all partners by developing mechanisms that clarify to investors the status of their operations in trade, economic, financial, and other activities in countries that have active economic relations with the UAE.”

For his part, His Excellency Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, stressed the importance of this agreement and its effective role. He said: “The agreement will contribute to supporting international standards of transparency through the exchange of documented financial information, which comes in light of strengthening bilateral economic relations between the two countries.”

The signing of the agreement stems from the UAE’s keenness to expand its network of international and Arab relations, enhance economic and investment cooperation with various countries worldwide, protect UAE investments from all non-commercial risks, facilitate the transfer of profits and returns, and regulate dispute resolution.

Notably, the UAE has signed 146 double taxation avoidance agreements to date. In addition, it has signed 114 agreements to protect and promote investments. Together, these agreements provide a legal framework that protects UAE investments worldwide.

ALSO READ: South Korea, UAE sign historic CEPA

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Qatar Seeks Peace in Gaza

The negotiation process is currently going through a state of stagnation, especially after what happened in Rafah….reports Asian Lite News

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani stressed that the best way to stop the ongoing fighting in the Gaza Strip, which the State of Qatar is demanding, is reaching an agreement, putting an end to the atrocities committed against civilians, and negotiating an agreement to release the hostages, considering that achieving this would enable an agreement to be reached within days.

During the opening session of the Qatar Economic Forum, His Excellency indicated that there is uncertainty about how to stop the war on the Israeli side, which is not inclined to this option, adding that when the talk is about an agreement to reach a ceasefire, a lot of politics say that they would go on with the war. His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar would continue to work and pressure, along with partners to reach an agreement, provided that the warring parties help facilitate this as the issue is ultimately in their hands.

The PM pointed out that the negotiation process is long and stressful, as some momentum has been observed over the past weeks, but unfortunately things have not moved in the appropriate direction. The situation is currently going through a state of stagnation, especially after what happened in Rafah.

He added that Qatar has not stopped its role as mediator despite facing many challenges in the past few weeks, which prompted Qatar to conduct a re-evaluation. Qatar did not want to be exploited as a mediator and wanted to make clear to everyone that its role is limited to mediation. Qatar is doing this and will continue to do so, saying that he believes Qatar has achieved great progress.

Al-Thani also noted that what makes the negotiation process difficult is the presence of fundamental differences. There is one side that wants to end the war and then talk about the hostages, and the other side wants to release the hostages and continue the war. As long as there is no point of understanding between the two sides, it’s hard to reach a result, warning that what is happening in the Gaza Strip requires saying, “enough.”

He added that looking at the disaster in Gaza, most reports confirmed that reconstruction requires USD 40 to 50 billion and will continue until 2040. This is only what the pictures show, representing 10 – 20 percent of the actual destruction, in addition to the risks of war or violence spreading in the region and this is what happened in the Red Sea and Lebanon, and it will increase as the war continues.

Regarding the Hamas movement’s office in Doha, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs indicated that the presence of a political office for the Hamas movement in Doha began in 2012 with the aim of creating a channel of communication between them, the Israelis, and Americans.

He pointed out that this channel has proved to be effective in light of the various conflicts from 2014 until today, explaining that this office has played a major role, including the release of hostages (109 hostages) thanks to Qatari mediation in the negotiations, which is the only hostages’ release operation during the ongoing war and did not come as a result of pressure or military action.

Al-Thani considered that the continuation of the war requires a means of communication, and Qatar’s vision and point of view see the necessity of having access for all parties to resolve the conflict. His Excellency stressed that the State of Qatar is not a party to the conflict, adding that Qatar’s principles and policies that support the Palestinians in implementing the two-state solution have not changed, and as long as Qatar has the ability, it will help, as it has done so between Afghanistan, the Taliban and the United States of America, and between the various parties in Lebanon, Sudan, and others. This is at the core of Qatar’s foreign policy (to build on mediation to help resolve and settle disputes between the parties and work to find a regional consensus).

Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip after the war, Al-Thani stressed that it is still too early to talk about this matter. His Excellency said that Qatar believes in a single Palestinian government responsible for the West Bank and Gaza. This Palestinian government must be formed by consensus among the Palestinians to lead the transitional process in the country, but the Israeli government’s statements reject the existence of the Palestinian Authority.

His Excellency indicated that with the total destruction of the Strip without a vision for the role of the Palestinian Authority, the situation will be difficult not only for Qatar but for the entire world. In this regard, His Excellency said that Qatar is working with its Arab partners, the Six-Party Committee, and the United States of America to think about the best way until the day after the war so that it does not affect the Palestinians and the Palestinian cause, and does not undermine the Palestinian Authority. 

Regarding Qatar’s investment plans and areas in the coming period, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani stated that the sovereign wealth fund follows a diversification strategy, adding that the United States has been a significant market in recent years, and Asia is also attracting major Qatari investments. He added that the State of Qatar is looking to expand in emerging markets like Central Asia and Africa, while ensuring that investments are not high-risk and secure and offer guaranteed returns, especially considering these investments are for the benefit of future generations.

ALSO READ: Gaza Ceasefire Efforts Hit Snag: Qatar

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Gaza Ceasefire Efforts Hit Snag: Qatar

Along with Egypt and the United States, Qatar has been trying to negotiate a truce deal in the ongoing conflict….reports Asian Lite News

Negotiations to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza war are now at a stalemate, having suffered a setback due to the Israeli military operation in Rafah, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman said on Tuesday.

“Right now, we are in the status of almost a stalemate. Of course, what happened with Rafah has set us backwards a little bit,” he told the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha.

Last week, Israel took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, halting humanitarian aid deliveries via the vital facility into the densely populated strip.

Israel deems Rafah the last stronghold of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, which killed hundreds of civilians in Israel in last year’s October 7 attacks.

Along with Egypt and the United States, Qatar has been trying to negotiate a truce deal in the ongoing conflict.

Mohammed said there has been “a fundamental difference” between the two parties, as one wants to end the war before releasing the remaining hostages, while the other party wants the hostages and continue the war.

“If those two elements align, I believe we can have a deal in a matter of days,” the premier added.

“There is no clarity on how to stop the war from the Israeli side. I don’t think they are considering this an option,” he said. “And there is no clarity on what Gaza will look like after this.”

ALSO READ: Top Biden official doubts Israel can achieve ‘total victory’ in Gaza