The Qatari government suspended its mediation efforts to achieve a truce in Gaza due to a lack of progress and "seriousness." It condemned statements made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding Israel's annexation of occupied West Bank, labeling them as a "serious escalation" that would hinder peace opportunities in the region.
According to a statement from the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Israeli claims contrary to international rights reveal that occupation is the main obstacle to peace in the Middle East. This denunciation comes after Qatar suspended its mediation efforts to achieve a truce in Gaza due to a lack of progress in negotiations between Israel and Hamas, announcing that they will resume mediation when there is enough seriousness.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been stalled since late August, with mutual accusations of obstruction. Attempts by mediators in October to unlock an agreement have yielded no results.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned Bezalel Smotrich's statements, considering them a violation of international law and a resolution of the UN Security Council. Smotrich mentioned that both Gaza and the West Bank will be "taken forever" from the Palestinians and expressed his support for Israeli sovereignty over the occupied territories.
Additionally, the finance minister gave instructions to prepare the necessary infrastructure to take the territory. This stance has generated strong criticism from Qatar, which considers these actions contrary to peace efforts in the region.
