Qatari Official Urges Commitment in Gaza Cease-Fire Talks as Concerns Grow Over Potential Israeli Invasion

A senior qatar, official, urges, israel, hamas, ceasefire, has urged Israel and Hamas to show more commitment and seriousness in cease-fire negotiations, as pressure builds on both sides to reach a deal that would free some Israeli hostages and bring a cease-fire in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza. Qatar, which hosts Hamas headquarters in Doha, has been a key intermediary in the conflict. However, the official expressed disappointment in both sides, saying they have made decisions based on political interests rather than the good of civilians.

The interviews with the Qatari official came as Israel promises to invade Gaza's southernmost city of Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians are sheltering, live, war, gaza, set, saudi, global, economy. Negotiations have centered on a six-week cease-fire proposal and the release of civilian and sick hostages held by Hamas in exchange for freeing Palestinian prisoners. But the talks have effectively stopped, with both sides entrenched in their positions.

Why this matters: The growing international pressure is meant to avert an Israeli attack on Rafah, which could worsen the already desperate humanitarian situation in Gaza. A potential invasion of the densely populated city, where more than half of Gaza's 2.3 million residents have sought refuge, has raised alarm among world leaders and aid organizations.

An Israeli delegation is expected to head to Egypt in the coming days for talks, while a Hamas delegation will also travel to Cairo. Egypt has discussed a "new vision" for a prolonged cease-fire with Israeli officials, who are open to discussing establishing a permanent cease-fire as part of the breakthrough, gaza, ceasefire, talks.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on the United States to stop Israel from attacking Rafah, warning that even a "small strike" could force the Palestinian population to flee Gaza. Abbas said the displacement of Palestinians into Jordan and Egypt is unacceptable, and he is concerned that Israel may attempt to force the Palestinian population out of the occupied West Bank and into Jordan once its operations in Gaza are complete.

The White House national security spokesperson, John Kirby, stated that Israel has agreed to listen to US concerns and thoughts before launching an invasion of Rafah. Kirby also said that Israel has started to meet the commitments it made to President Joe Biden on allowing aid into the northern part of Gaza.

"The interviews with the Qatari official expressed disappointment with both Hamas and Israel, saying they have made decisions based on political interests rather than the welfare of civilians," the senior Qatari official said. The war was sparked by a Hamas attack on southern Israel in October 2023, which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to israel, hamas, war, news. Since then, the conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives, with the majority being Palestinian women and children in Gaza.

Key Takeaways

• Qatar official urges Israel, Hamas to show commitment to ceasefire negotiations.
• Potential Israeli invasion of Rafah in Gaza raises humanitarian concerns globally.
• Egypt discusses "new vision" for prolonged ceasefire with Israel and Hamas.
• Abbas calls on US to stop Israel from attacking Rafah, warns of Palestinian displacement.
• War sparked by Hamas attack in 2023 has claimed tens of thousands of lives, mostly Palestinian.