Doha: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that negotiations on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip are still on. He noted that the Palestinian and Israeli negotiating teams remain in Doha and are continuing their indirect meetings intensively in coordination with mediators in the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America.
According to Qatar News Agency, during the weekly press briefing organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Al Ansari stated that the ceasefire negotiations are still in the first phase, focusing on reaching an agreement on principles for the negotiations that will commence in the next phase. He indicated that efforts are ongoing around the clock to support and intensify efforts to reach an agreement.
Al Ansari emphasized that Qatar’s efforts are ongoing to reach an agreement swiftly, aiming to bridge the gap between the two negotiating delegations and resolve outstanding issues to reach a framework agreement that will guide the next phase of negotiations. He mentioned that the current phase cannot be labeled as a stalemate since meetings are ongoing, aimed at establishing a negotiating framework.
The Advisor further highlighted the intensive daily communication between mediators in Egypt, the United States, and Qatar to ensure intensified efforts towards reaching an agreement between the Palestinian and Israeli sides. He noted that while communications with the US administration and President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff might not be daily, they are prompt and within the framework of reaching an agreement, with American support evident for this stage of negotiations.
Al Ansari reiterated that as long as indirect meetings between the Palestinian and Israeli delegations are ongoing in Doha, negotiations will persist. He acknowledged that all parties remain engaged in talks, with new ideas continually being introduced.
He pointed out that a framework agreement would serve as the foundation for indirect negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire, followed by a phase to achieve general calm in the Gaza Strip and sustainable peace. The focus on a framework agreement is intended to facilitate indirect negotiations and overcome difficulties by bridging gaps in positions before formal negotiations begin.
In a separate note, Al Ansari expressed Qatar’s condemnation of the irresponsible Israeli policies threatening regional security, urging the international community to act against such reckless conduct through international legitimacy.
Additionally, under the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Qatari International Search and Rescue Group arrived in Aleppo, Syria, to participate in firefighting operations and deliver urgent humanitarian aid, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to supporting its Syrian brothers.
In other developments, HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a call from Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker, discussing cooperation and regional developments. The Prime Minister reaffirmed Qatar’s efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region and promote stability and peace.
Furthermore, HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi held discussions with his Nigerian counterpart, exploring bilateral cooperation. During a European tour, he met leaders in North Macedonia and Italy, discussing various cooperative avenues.
Meanwhile, Qatar participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2025 in Rome, led by HE Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad, who reaffirmed Qatar’s support for international efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine crisis peacefully.