The search for a new ceasefire in Gaza at the heart of the visit of the Emir of Qatar to Paris
In Gaza, while a major Israeli offensive still looms over Rafah where nearly a million and a half Palestinians have taken refuge, negotiations around a ceasefire continue.
It is in this context that the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, is visiting Paris this Tuesday, February 27.
A two-day state visit during which there will be a lot of talk about Gaza.
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris during the former's previous visit to France, February 15, 2023. AP - Christophe Ena
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Negotiations around a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages have accelerated in recent days.
Discussions have resumed in Doha
, where Hamas executives are located.
And the United States claims that “
common ground
” was found at the end of last week between different delegations present in Paris.
“
Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt and Qatar met in Paris and reached common ground between the four of them about the contours
” of a possible agreement on the release of hostages and “
a temporary ceasefire
,” Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Biden’s national security adviser, said on CNN this weekend.
Monday evening, Joe Biden was more precise, assuring that Israel would cease its military “
operations
” against Hamas in the Gaza Strip during Ramadan as part of a truce currently being negotiated.
“
Ramadan is coming and there was an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in operations during Ramadan, in order to give us time to get out all the hostages held by the Palestinian Islamist movement
,
”
he said. declared Mr. Biden in an interview with American television NBC.
It is therefore a key player, the Emir of Qatar, who is received this Tuesday at the Élysée.
His country has played a fundamental role since the start of the war in Gaza.
He has already worked towards a one-week truce at the end of November, during which 80 hostages held by Hamas were released, in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Also listen to Gaza: “Qatar’s concern is to return the hostages to their families and bring peace”
A similar agreement is being sought today.
There appears to be a window of opportunity between now and the start of Ramadan, around March 10.
But the contours remain vague.
How long for this truce or ceasefire?
How many releases?
France recalls that three of its nationals are among the hostages held in Gaza.
Also read: The first avenues for a possible new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
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