MADRID: Qatar on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to mediating between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza Strip.
Qatar, USA, and Egypt, have been engaged in months of talks to “bridge the gap” between Israel and Hamas to secure a ceasefire.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, speaking alongside Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares in Madrid, said that they continued their effects without interruption over the last few days in this connection.
“There have been several meetings with the Hamas leadership to try to bridge the gap between the two parties and reach an agreement that will lead to a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages” being held in Gaza, AFP quoted the Qatar premier as saying.
The peace talks based on a plan proposed by US President Joe Biden on May 31, calling for an Israeli withdrawal from major population centers in Gaza and a six-week ceasefire, extendable as needed for a permanent resolution.
Despite continuous efforts, a mutually agreeable formula hasn’t been reached yet.
“Efforts are continuing, but so far we have not reached a formula that we feel is the most appropriate and closest to what has been presented,” the Qatari prime minister said.
“As soon as this is done, we will communicate with the Israeli side to try to bridge the gap and reach an agreement as quickly as possible,” he added.
At least 37,431 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in Israeli attacks since October 7 last year. Palestine’s health ministry said.
Earlier today, Armenia has announced its official recognition of the State of Palestine amid ongoing violence against the civilian population by Israeli authorities in Gaza.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Friday that the country took the decision to reaffirm its commitment to international law and the principles of sovereignty, equality and peaceful coexistence of peoples.
Earlier, a series of countries had recognized the State of Palestine during the war between Israel and Hamas.
The ministry said Armenia condemns using civilian infrastructure as shields during conflicts and violence toward civilian population. It also asked Hamas to join the demands of the international community to free the captives.
A senior official from the Palestinian Authority, Hussein Al-Sheikh, has welcomed the development in a post on social media. He termed it a victory for rights, justice, legitimacy and the struggle of the Palestinian people for independence.
