Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani emphasized the need to cease fire in the Gaza Strip and de-escalate tensions to ensure security and stability in the region.
This was discussed during his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday.
According to a statement from the Qatari Emiri Diwan, Sheikh Tamim highlighted the importance of providing sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid to all areas of the Gaza Strip.
The discussions also covered regional and international issues of mutual interest, particularly the latest developments in Gaza and the Palestinian territories.
Meanwhile, Secretary Blinken warned of the potential for the conflict to spread easily throughout the region. He stressed the necessity for Palestinians to be able to return to their homes after the conflict and emphasized that they should not be pressured to leave the Gaza Strip.
In a joint press conference with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Blinken mentioned his upcoming visit to Israel this week. He plans to discuss the need for greater efforts to reduce civilian casualties and injuries in Gaza, highlighting the region’s current heightened tensions.
Blinken also noted the significant challenges in delivering aid to those in need in Gaza.
He stated that the United Nations could play a role in assessing what needs to be done to allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza, condemning the significant number of journalist fatalities in the region.
Addressing maritime security in the region, Blinken vowed that the U.S. would continue to defend against threats following the Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. He explained that these attacks disrupted over 20% of international shipments, affecting people worldwide.
On his part, Al Thani mentioned the impact of the recent assassination of a senior Hamas political bureau member in Beirut on Doha’s efforts to mediate between the movement and Israel. He confirmed Qatar’s continued commitment to these efforts.
The Prime Minister of Qatar also highlighted that Doha had sent 59 planes carrying 1,850 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, emphasizing the importance of pressing for a ceasefire and allowing aid into the region.
He warned of the expanding scope of conflict in the region, describing it as a real possibility, and stressed the need to work towards preventing it.
The Emir also expressed hope for continued consultations with Washington on various issues, adding, “There can be no peace in the region without a fair and comprehensive settlement within the framework of international legitimacy.”
