The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussed with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Doha, the developments in the Palestinian territories and the repercussions of the humanitarian situation there.
The Emir of the State of Qatar stressed to the US Secretary of State the importance of exerting efforts to reduce the escalation and open safe corridors in the Gaza Strip for relief and humanitarian efforts, and to ensure that violence does not spread regionally.
Sheikh Tamim also reiterated Qatar's firm position in condemning the targeting of civilians.
In return, Blinken said that during his meeting with the Emir of Qatar, he expressed appreciation for Doha's efforts in securing the return of hostages held by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani (right) stressed that the priority for the time being is to stop the war in Gaza (Reuters)
Aid Access
The US Secretary of State also met with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, who stressed that the priority for the time being is to "stop the war in Gaza and then ensure that relief and humanitarian aid reaches the stranded."
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani added, "We are strengthening our efforts with partners to open a humanitarian corridor for the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip."
Qatar's prime minister and foreign minister said the only guarantee for peace was intensifying efforts through communication channels, stressing that "expanding the circle of conflict will have serious consequences."
"We are doing everything we can to release the hostages" held in Gaza, he said.
Regarding the presence of Hamas leaders in Doha, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani confirmed that the movement's political bureau in the capital Doha "is being used to communicate with the movement and establish peace and tranquility."
In the context of the Qatari position, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid al-Ansari stressed that "there should be no collective punishment of the population in the Gaza Strip."
A spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry told Al Jazeera that "urgent action is necessary to stop the bloodshed in Gaza."