Qatar's Prime Minister Hints at Possible Gaza War Resolution Before Trump Presidency

Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has expressed optimism that the Gaza war could potentially conclude before former U.S. President Donald Trump assumes office again. Speaking at the Doha Annual Forum, he highlighted renewed momentum in peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.

During his address, the Prime Minister identified two key focus areas in the current discussions: the release of Israeli captives in exchange for hostages held by Hamas and determining a framework for ending the conflict. He emphasized that these issues are now central to the diplomatic efforts being pursued by multiple parties.

The Prime Minister revealed that Qatar had momentarily stepped back from its mediator role a month earlier due to some countries leveraging the mediation for political purposes. However, with increased international pressure and a renewed push to reach a resolution before the next U.S. presidential term begins, Qatar has resumed its mediation efforts.

Reflecting on the role of the U.S. in the negotiations, he noted that advisors to Donald Trump have indicated a willingness to support a peaceful resolution through diplomacy. Comparing approaches, the Prime Minister highlighted that while there may be differences in policy between the Biden administration and Trump's advisors, the intention to end the conflict remains consistent and critical.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining confidentiality in the negotiations, noting that previous leaks of details had led to public disillusionment. Despite the challenges, he expressed cautious optimism, observing that differences between Hamas and Israel are narrowing.

The Gaza war, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has caused significant civilian casualties and widespread devastation in Gaza. Qatar, as a key mediator, continues to play a pivotal role in the ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the region.