Qatar calls for negotiations on second phase of Gaza ceasefire
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Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani emphasized the need to begin second-phase negotiations immediately, in line with the Gaza ceasefire agreement, during his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan.
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Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani attends a meeting of Arab League foreign ministers in Cairo, Egypt, on February 1, 2025. (AP)
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged the immediate launch of negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire.
During a press conference in Doha following his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Al Thani emphasized the need to begin negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire without delay.
He stated, "The second phase of negotiations must begin tomorrow, and we have already started engaging with both parties for that purpose."
The Prime Minister also emphasized Qatar's unwavering stance against the displacement of Palestinians, adding, "Qatar is ready to host the released Palestinian prisoners if they choose to come to it."
He emphasized that all parties must fully implement the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and promptly begin the second phase. Expressing optimism about achieving positive outcomes, he insisted there should be no compromises that delay these negotiations.
In turn, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan asserted that displacing Palestinians from Gaza violates international law, urging all to oppose this initiative.
Regarding Trump's proposal, Fidan emphasized that Turkiye strongly opposes the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to other countries, asserting that such a move violates international law.
Second phase of Gaza deal will be in our favor: Senior Hamas official
In turn, Hamas' representative in Lebanon, Ahmad Abdel Hadi, told Al Mayadeen on Saturday that negotiations regarding the second phase of the prisoner exchange and ceasefire in Gaza "will be difficult, but the atmosphere is in our favor."
Abdel Hadi indicated that the Israeli officers and soldiers held captive by the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza are a negotiating chip for it.
The senior Hamas official affirmed that the outcomes of the second phase of negotiations "will be more favorable for the Resistance," explaining that "the current atmosphere is more positive than before, which strengthens the Resistance’s position."
"All circumstances and contexts indicate that the ceasefire agreement will continue," even though the Israeli occupation will raise the bar and introduce new conditions, he noted.
In the same context, Abdel Hadi asserted, "There is no indication that the agreement will collapse," noting that US President Donald Trump approved the agreement as part of a strategic vision for his new administration.
Earlier, Israeli Channel 12 reported that mediators involved in the prisoner exchange deal between "Israel" and the Palestinian Resistance are exploring the possibility of expediting its implementation.
Ehud Yaari, the channel’s Arab affairs analyst, indicated that the suggestion aims to facilitate larger exchanges within shorter timeframes by merging and streamlining certain phases of the process.
