Qatar

President Aoun Hails Gaza Ceasefire, Strengthens Diplomatic Ties

Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun welcomed on Thursday the recently brokered ceasefire in Gaza, expressing hope that it would bring an end to the region’s humanitarian crisis. He commended the international efforts that facilitated the agreement and stressed the importance of Israel adhering to its terms. President Aoun urged continued ...

Renewed Hopes for ‘Imminent’ Agreement on Gaza Ceasefire

'Breakthroughs’ were made on Sunday night in Doha, Qatar, with negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza “close” to an agreement, according to sources close to the matter quoted by Reuters. This information was revealed by the agency after discussions between Israeli intelligence officials, Donald ...

Gaza: Between Truce Hopes and Deadly Escalation, Doha Leads Talks

As indirect talks between Israel and Hamas unfold in Doha, violence escalates in the Gaza Strip, with at least 31 killed in 24 hours. Facilitated by Qatar and backed by the United States and Egypt, these negotiations falter in securing a lasting truce, deepening the Palestinian enclave's plight. As the Israel-Hamas conflict enters its ...

Late Dembele Strike Earns PSG French Champions Trophy in Doha

Ousmane Dembele's stoppage-time goal settled the French Champions Trophy on Sunday, giving Paris Saint-Germain a 1-0 win over Monaco in a fixture played in Doha. PSG's troubles in front of goal this season have often cost them in the Champions League, and they were thwarted throughout this game by a combination of poor finishing and some fine ...

Syrian Ministers Urge Lifting of US Sanctions in First Visit to Doha

Ministers from Syria's transitional government urged the United States to lift its sanctions on Damascus during their first visit to Qatar since overthrowing president Bashar al-Assad. In a statement, Qatar's foreign ministry said the Gulf country's premier met with Syria's interim foreign minister, Asaad al-Shaibani, defense minister Murhaf Abu ...

Israel Confirms Gaza Hostage Talks Have Resumed in Qatar

Israeli Defense Minister Israël Katz confirmed on Saturday the resumption of indirect negotiations with Hamas in Qatar for the release of hostages held in Gaza since the Palestinian movement's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The minister informed the relatives of hostage Liri Albag, whose video showing signs of life was released by Hamas on ...

Qatar PM Meets Hamas Delegation for Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Qatar's prime minister met a Hamas delegation in Doha on Saturday to discuss a "clear and comprehensive" ceasefire deal to end the war in Gaza, a statement said. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held talks with a Hamas team led by senior official Khalil al-Hayya, the foreign ministry statement said. It is unusual for Sheikh ...

Qatari Ambassador Meets Rai, Urges Swift Presidential Election

On Thursday, the Qatari Ambassador to Lebanon, Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, underscored the urgent need for Lebanon to elect a president on January 9 during a meeting with Maronite Patriarch Bechara Boutros Al-Rai at the patriarchal seat in Bkerke. The ambassador reiterated Qatar’s ongoing support for Lebanon across economic, political, and ...

Qatar Says Sanctions on Syria Must Be Lifted Quickly

Qatar called on Tuesday for the quick removal of sanctions on Syria following the ousting of president Bashar al-Assad by Islamist-led rebels. "We call for intensified efforts to expedite the lifting of international sanctions on Syria," foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari told a regular briefing. Qatar's call came a day after a ...

Qatar Embassy Reopens in Damascus with Flag Raising

Qatar reopened its embassy in Damascus on Saturday, 13 years after it was closed early in Syria's civil conflict, as foreign governments seek to establish ties with the country's new rulers. An AFP journalist saw Qatar's flag raised over the mission, making it the second nation, after Turkey, to officially reopen its embassy since Islamist-led ...

US Sees 'Cautious Optimism' on Reaching Gaza Ceasefire

The United States said Tuesday it felt "cautious optimism" on the prospects of reaching a ceasefire in the 14-month war in Gaza, although it acknowledged that similar hopes had been dashed before. Hamas on Tuesday said that talks mediated by Qatar were "serious and positive," a day after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the two ...