DAVOS:
Qatar’s Prime Minister emphasized on Tuesday that lasting peace in Gaza hinges on both Israel and Hamas acting in “good faith,” following a delicate truce in the region, which was brokered by Qatar. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani expressed hope that the truce would eventually lead to a permanent ceasefire if both parties continue with sincere efforts.
Qatar, in collaboration with the United States and Egypt, facilitated the ceasefire deal that took effect on Sunday, ending 15 months of conflict in Gaza. The initial phase of the agreement is expected to last six weeks and includes the release of 33 hostages from Gaza in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinians.
In subsequent phases, the deal will focus on negotiating a permanent ceasefire. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, voiced confidence in the agreement, stating that all major issues had been addressed during negotiations. However, he cautioned that any breach by either side could jeopardize the deal’s success.
While U.S. President Donald Trump had expressed optimism about the agreement, he later indicated uncertainty about its longevity. Sheikh Mohammed, in his address, echoed Trump’s vision of a strong Middle East, noting Qatar’s commitment to ensuring the deal’s success.
The initial hostage swap took place on Sunday, though the ceasefire was delayed due to Hamas’ late release of the list of hostages. Al-Ansari expressed optimism about the upcoming exchanges, anticipating smoother procedures for the second swap scheduled for Saturday. He also emphasized the importance of the return of displaced Palestinians and the cessation of violence, urging the global community to remain hopeful but cautious regarding the deal’s future.
