Qatar expresses cautious optimism on Gaza ceasefire talks

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
19 Mar 2024 14:15
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Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari emphasizes that an Israeli invasion of Rafah would negatively impact the attainment of an agreement.

The spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry Majed al-Ansari speaks to reporters during a conference in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. (Qatari Foreign Ministry)

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said the emirate was "cautiously optimistic" regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza, with "technical" negotiations ongoing.

He said, "We are not close to a cease-fire agreement in Gaza, but we remain hopeful," adding, "The next major objective of the negotiations is to send a counter-proposal to Hamas."

Elsewhere in his remarks, al-Ansari emphasized that an Israeli invasion of Rafah would negatively impact the attainment of an agreement and lead to significant destruction and unprecedented atrocities.

This comes shortly after Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea returned to "Israel" early Tuesday morning from Qatar. The remainder of the Israeli delegation stayed in Doha to continue the negotiations.

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Previous efforts to reach a deal between the two sides fell apart as the Palestinian Resistance demanded a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Gaza be the basis of a prisoner exchange deal, while the Israeli side insisted on short truces and refused to promise an end to the hostilities.

Earlier, on March 15, the Islamic Resistance Movement - Hamas announced that it had presented a comprehensive vision to mediators in Qatar and Egypt a comprehensive vision regarding its stance on halting the aggression on the Gaza Strip and the issue of prisoner exchange with the Israeli occupation.

The movement emphasized in a statement that this comes as part of its follow-up to negotiations through intermediaries to halt the Israeli aggression, provide relief and assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza, facilitate the return of the displaced to their homes, and the complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Strip.

In its statement, it stressed that its vision is based on these principles and foundations, which it considers vital for any agreement, and that it will remain committed to the rights and concerns of the Palestinian people.