The incoming US President, Donald Trump, has reportedly made it clear that he expects a ceasefire agreement to end the ongoing Gaza War before his inauguration on 20 January. The Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al Thani, revealed in an exclusive interview with Sky News that Mr Trump’s advisers are coordinating efforts with Qatar to expedite a resolution.
Speaking to The World with Yalda Hakim, Mr al Thani expressed cautious optimism about reaching a ceasefire deal but emphasised that it would require “maximum pressure” on all parties involved. He noted that the incoming US administration is keen to see the conflict resolved immediately, stating, “They want this to be resolved now – today even.”
Qatar’s role in gaza negotiations
Qatar has long played a mediating role in the Gaza conflict, hosting Hamas’s political office in Doha. Mr al Thani defended this arrangement, describing it as a negotiation platform established with “full transparency” and at the request of the United States and Israel.
He highlighted the role the office has played in brokering ceasefires since 2014, saying, “There are numerous situations where we have prevented an escalation from the beginning.” However, he acknowledged that Qatar’s policy of engagement with Hamas has attracted criticism but insisted, “It’s needed.”
The war in Gaza has taken a devastating toll, with over 44,500 Palestinians reported killed according to Hamas-run health authorities. Israel’s response follows the group’s October 2023 attacks, which killed approximately 1,200 people and saw over 200 hostages taken.
Trump’s warning over hostages
On Monday, Mr Trump issued a stark warning, demanding the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza before he takes office. Writing on his Truth Social platform, he declared, “There will be hell to pay” if the hostages are not freed, promising severe retaliation.
Around 100 hostages remain in Gaza, but reports suggest that at least a third have died. Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas entirely, with no indication of a shift in its military objectives despite international calls for a ceasefire.
Risks and opportunities in the middle east
Mr al Thani also reflected on the broader implications of Mr Trump’s return to power for the Middle East, including relations with Iran. While acknowledging “a lot of risks,” he also pointed to “plenty of opportunities” for diplomatic engagement.
More Read
Qatar has sought to position itself as a key player in mediating conflicts across the region, leveraging its relationships with both Western nations and regional powers.
UK-qatar relations amid controversy
The Qatari Prime Minister’s comments come as Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Qatar’s emir, is on a state visit to the UK. A banquet at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday celebrated the longstanding ties between the two nations.
Mr al Thani described the visit as a “celebration” of loyalty between Qatar and Britain, noting its significance in a world where “loyalty is in short supply.” However, the visit has also attracted criticism, with campaigners urging UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer to address Qatar’s human rights record.
Qatar has faced accusations of human rights abuses, particularly regarding migrant workers, restrictions on freedom of expression, and discrimination against women and LGBTQ+ individuals. Responding to these criticisms, Mr al Thani said, “We are not saying we are perfect… but when we see something wrong, we acknowledge it and work to reform.”
Pressure to deliver peace
As the clock ticks towards Mr Trump’s inauguration, efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza remain fraught with challenges. With tens of thousands dead and no resolution in sight, Qatar’s role as mediator will likely face increasing scrutiny.
The Qatari Prime Minister’s optimism offers a glimmer of hope, but whether all parties can be brought to the negotiating table in time remains uncertain. The stakes, however, are higher than ever, with the lives of thousands hanging in the balance.
