Doha: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing the success of the ongoing negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh, the Arab Republic of Egypt, concerning US President Donald Trump's peace plan and the pursuit of a comprehensive ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, marking an end to this tragic war.

In the Ministry's weekly briefing, Dr. Al Ansari stated that the Sharm El Sheikh negotiations are currently focused on identifying the key obstacles hindering the implementation of President Trump's plan, and on clarifying the practical details of its execution, whether in terms of the deployment of international forces in Gaza, the release of hostages and exchange of prisoners, or the facilitation of humanitarian aid into the enclave.

He added that all parties involved are strongly supportive of the plan and are working toward consensus. However, numerous technical details remain to be addressed. The Trump plan comprises approximately 20 points, each requiring operational interpretation on the ground, which naturally necessitates ongoing engagement with all stakeholders.

Dr. Al Ansari noted that all delegations are presently in Sharm El Sheikh, including the Qatari negotiating team, with the primary objective of reaching agreement on the plan's outlined provisions. He emphasized that the current moment is not conducive to speculating about the obstacles to implementation, nor is it realistic to do so.

He cautioned that the issue of an immediate ceasefire from the Israeli side hinges on the Israeli government, which was expected to halt military operations after declaring its commitment to the Trump plan. However, the continued military activity on the ground contradicts that assertion.

Regarding optimism about the outcome of the negotiations, Dr. Al Ansari stated that Qatar, as a mediator, maintains emotional neutrality while exerting significant diplomatic effort and holding a deep conviction in the necessity of ending this humanitarian catastrophe.

He added that negotiations are underway, and Qatar is fully committed to this plan and to bringing this war to an end, stressing that Qatar is pushing for an Israeli withdrawal, an international presence to support our brothers in Gaza, and the delivery of the maximum possible humanitarian aid to address the severe shortages that have reached famine-like levels, adding that Qatar remains committed to this as Arab and Islamic nations.

Dr. Al Ansari pointed out that the Trump plan, initially presented in New York, has undoubtedly undergone amendments by Israel, followed by feedback from Qatar in its role as mediator. Some of Qatar's observations were incorporated, while others were not.

He explained that Qatar, currently engaged in more than 10 mediation efforts, understands that no peace plan will fully satisfy either party, and that some provisions will inevitably be unacceptable to both sides.

He expressed appreciation for the US commitment to the Trump plan, stating that all mediators are now working toward ending this war by any means necessary. This conflict is catastrophic, it represents the largest massacre of civilians in modern history since World War II, adding that they seek to halt not only the bloodshed but also the famine conditions that no sane person could accept.

Dr. Al Ansari stressed that the ongoing negotiations require a political language and mutual understanding that ensure all parties' adherence to the plan. Accordingly, close coordination is underway with the American side through the delegations currently present in Sharm El Sheikh, aiming to reach a consensus that guarantees the plan's implementation will be sustained beyond its initial phase.

He clarified that the current focus is on transforming President Trump's proposal into a practical roadmap, with actionable agreements that ensure sequential implementation and prevent any loopholes that might allow the Israeli occupation to resume its aggression against Gaza.

In response to journalists' questions, Dr. Al Ansari highlighted that Qatar's participation in the Sharm El Sheikh negotiations is a continuation of its diplomatic efforts from day one. He underscored that Qatar, in partnership with Egypt and the United States, has spearheaded this mediation process for nearly two years.

On the guarantees for miplementing the plan, Dr. Al Ansari emphasized that the guarantee lies in having a plan that is swiftly actionable and enjoys consensus among all parties. He noted that the presence of assurances from the United States and other stakeholders involved in the process is essential, while stressing that it is still too early to discuss alternative scenarios.

He stated that all parties have endorsed the plan, and there are currently no obstacles regarding agreement on the 20 points outlined in President Trump's proposal. The challenges now lie in the practical implementation, which must be expedited to ensure international entry and presence on the ground in Gaza, and to avoid any temporal gaps that could lead to a deterioration of the situation in the Strip.

On Qatar's anticipated role following agreement, Dr. Al Ansari reaffirmed that the State of Qatar has always been, and will continue to be, committed to doing everything necessary to alleviate the suffering of its brothers in Gaza through all possible means.

He pointed out that part of the negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh involves identifying these roles, adding that it may be premature to define these roles in form and substance, but they will undoubtedly encompass everything Qatar can do to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ensure the success of the agreement.

Regarding the venue for announcing the ceasefire, Dr. Al Ansari clarified that the priority is the announcement of the cessation of hostilities and the end of the war, regardless of the capital from which the declaration is made. He said that they are not concerned with the city where the ceasefire will be announced; their concern is with the brothers in Gaza and the cessation of the war there.

He reiterated Qatar's backing of Egypt's initiative to host a global conference for the reconstruction of Gaza, stating that Qatar has supported this initiative since Egypt first announced it, and it will undoubtedly be actively involved.

Responding to a question on the future of Hamas political bureau members, Dr. Al Ansari remarked that it is too early to discuss the future of the bureau in detail. He explained that the presence of Hamas's political office in Doha has been part of Qatar's mediation efforts since 2006, and that as long as there is a need for a communication channel, there is a need for this office to remain in Doha.

On governance proposals for post-war Gaza, he noted that a significant portion of the ongoing negotiations in Sharm El Sheikh pertains to this issue. Parties are currently presenting their perspectives, interpretations, and understandings of the governance mechanisms outlined in the plan.

Dr. Al Ansari affirmed that Qatar firmly believes the future of Gaza, and of Palestine more broadly, must be determined by the Palestinian people themselves.

He added that in the next phase, particularly regarding reconstruction, there will be a need for international support across security, economic, and administrative dimensions. He stressed that the matter that is non-negotiable is that Palestinian affairs must remain Palestinian, and the future of the Palestinian people must be in Palestinian hands.

On the 29th Joint Ministerial Meeting Between the GCC and the European Union, Dr. Al Ansari highlighted the strategic importance of such meetings between the Gulf and European blocs in an increasingly volatile world.

He underscored the need for coordination on global issues, especially developments in Gaza and other regions facing conflict or crises.

He added that the Gulf States value their partnership with the European Union and the positive stances taken, including the recognition of the State of Palestine by several European countries during the recent UN General Assembly in New York.

Dr. Al Ansari began the briefing by summarizing the activities of HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. These included his discussions with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkiye Hakan Fidan, regarding regional developments, particularly in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories and arrangements for negotiations based on the proposal by HE President Donald Trump of the United States to end the war in Gaza.

He also mentioned His Excellency's meeting with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic Assad Al Shibani, during which Qatar reaffirmed its support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and independence, and its commitment to reconstruction and stability efforts.

Additionally, His Excellency met with HE Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany Johann Wadephul, where he stressed the importance of intensifying regional and international efforts to de-escalate tensions through dialogue and diplomacy.

His Excellency also met with HE Minister of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of India Piyush Goyal, to discuss enhancing bilateral relations, particularly in economic and trade sectors.

Dr. Al Ansari spoke about Qatar's involvement in the GCC ministerial meeting in Kuwait and the meetings led by HE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, who headed the Qatari delegation.

He also reviewed meetings held by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the meeting between HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi and HE State Secretary for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Kingdom of Spain Diego Martinez Belio.

Furthermore, he noted the second round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, held in Algiers and led by HE Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi.

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