Qatar ‘focused on making sure ceasefire holds’: PM

Key Concepts

• Ceasefire Mediation: Qatar's role in brokering and maintaining ceasefires in the Gaza conflict.
• Hostage Release: A primary objective of the mediation efforts.
• End of War: Another key goal of Qatar's involvement.
• Hamas Governance and Disarmament: The complex issue of Hamas's future role in Gaza and the potential for disarming its fighters.
• Two-State Solution: The long-term vision for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Arab Peace Initiative: A framework for regional normalization in exchange for Palestinian statehood.
• Root Cause of Conflict: Addressing the underlying issues to achieve lasting peace.
• International Stabilization Forces: The potential role of external forces in post-conflict Gaza.

Qatar's Mediation Role in Gaza

Current Ceasefire Status and Violations

Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abd Rahman bin Jasim Al Thani of Qatar addressed the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, focusing on Qatar's mediating role in the Gaza conflict. He acknowledged that describing all violations would be an "open-ended question." However, he specifically highlighted the previous day's attack on Israeli soldiers as a violation by the Palestinian party. He noted that Hamas had issued a statement denying communication with the group responsible for this attack, and Qatar had not yet verified this claim. Qatar's primary focus remains on ensuring the ceasefire holds. The Prime Minister also mentioned reports of Hamas attempting to delay the return of bodies, emphasizing that fulfilling this commitment was crucial.

Challenges and Progress in Ceasefire Negotiations

The Prime Minister described the mediation process since October 7th as a "very bumpy road" filled with numerous challenges and obstacles. Despite these difficulties, Qatar has strived to navigate the situation to achieve the first, second, and now the ongoing ceasefire, with the hope that it will last. He acknowledged that many violations have occurred throughout the process, some of which may not have been reported in the media due to their lesser significance compared to the previous day's event. The attack on Israeli soldiers was described as "very disappointing and frustrating," and Qatar immediately mobilized to contain the situation in full coordination with the United States, which has also demonstrated commitment to the deal. As of the time of the statement, the ceasefire was still holding.

Understanding the Next Phase of the Ceasefire

The discussion then shifted to the perceived ease of the first phase of the ceasefire, which had clear expectations for both sides. The second and potentially ultimate phase, however, is a source of significant concern. The Prime Minister addressed the question of whether both sides have a clear understanding of what comes next. He noted the Israeli expectation that Hamas would disarm and cease to be involved in Gaza's governing structure, while Hamas officials maintain their intention to be part of a post-war governing structure and will not relinquish their arms unless directed by the Palestinian people.

Qatar's Two Priorities and Approach

From Qatar's perspective, since October 7th, their two main priorities have been to bring back the hostages and to end the war and the suffering of the people in Gaza. The Prime Minister asserted that Qatar has been the "main stable player and factor" in mediating these efforts. He believes that what has been achieved in bringing the conflict to a halt is significant, and Qatar's current job is to protect, safeguard, and ensure the implementation of the ceasefire.

Disarmament and Governance: A Complex Process

The Prime Minister acknowledged that disarmament and decommissioning will be a "complicated process" but stated that it is "part of the agreement." He expressed optimism regarding governance, stating that it will not be a challenge. Qatar has been clear with Hamas on this issue, and Hamas has responded clearly, indicating their willingness to give up governance. However, the question of weapons is viewed by Hamas as an obligation on "all the factions, not on Hamas only." Qatar is actively pushing all factions to acknowledge the need to disarm and move to the next stage, ensuring the safety of both Palestinians and Israelis. The ultimate goal of decommissioning is to create a "political horizon" for the Palestinian people and establish Palestinian agency as the sole holder of arms.

Addressing the "Root Cause" and the Two-State Solution

The conversation touched upon a recent suggestion by Steve Woodoff and Jared Kushner regarding a two-year development plan for Gaza, potentially modeled after the Berlin style, where Israelis would control one part and another entity the other, with Israel retaining some control. The Prime Minister clarified that President Trump's 20-point plan, which he referenced, has three key principles: ending the war, no occupation, and no annexation. The initial redeployment phase allows Israelis to remain within certain lines, but ultimately, they are expected to withdraw once international stabilization forces are in place and the decommissioning process begins.

Crucially, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to address the "root cause" of the conflict. This involves creating a political horizon and environment conducive to an understanding and agreement for coexistence between Palestinians and Israelis. Qatar's ultimate goal is a "two-state solution" that will end the suffering for both sides.

Attainability of the Two-State Solution

When questioned about the attainability of the two-state solution given the current Israeli government's rhetoric on annexation and resettlement, the Prime Minister maintained that it will "always be attainable." He believes that despite the political rhetoric, there are "wise people" who understand that two different peoples cannot be treated unequally under one state. He reiterated that Palestinians have a right to their own state. The Arab Peace Initiative is presented as a plan for regional normalization in exchange for Palestinian statehood and guarantees for Israel.

While acknowledging that the trauma from October 7th may make the two-state solution seem unattainable at this stage, the Prime Minister expressed confidence that a moment will come when all parties will recognize it as the "only way forward." He highlighted the current engagement of the US, including the President, Vice President, Special Envoy Jared Kushner, and the Secretary of State, in ensuring the ceasefire holds and moving towards rebuilding trust, rebuilding Gaza, and creating a political horizon for the Palestinian people.

Conclusion of Prime Minister's Statement

The Prime Minister's statement concluded with a reiteration of Qatar's commitment to making the Gaza ceasefire hold. He described the previous day's strikes as disappointing and confirmed Qatar's efforts to contain the situation, noting the US commitment to the agreement. He also characterized the disarmament of Hamas as a complicated but achievable part of the ceasefire deal.