Washington: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized that any proposed stabilization force deployed in the Gaza Strip should maintain neutrality and not favor one side over another. Speaking to Al Jazeera after meetings with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and American Congress members, Sheikh Mohammed expressed concerns about repeated ceasefire violations in Gaza, which he warned could embarrass mediators.

According to Anadolu Agency, the prime minister stated that Qatar has agreed with Rubio to intensify efforts to advance to the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Plans are already in motion for a meeting of mediators on Friday to establish a framework for this transition.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza as a central topic in discussions with Congressional members. He reiterated Qatar's demand for the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave, cautioning that ongoing violations threaten the ceasefire's stability.

On a separate issue concerning Syria, the Qatari premier expressed support for lifting US sanctions on Damascus to aid economic recovery. He described the current moment as an opportunity to bolster joint efforts in supporting the Syrian government post-sanctions and reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to Syria's territorial unity and equitable treatment for all Syrians.

Echoing similar sentiments on the proposed Gaza stabilization force, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, in a conversation with Slovak Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Juraj Blanar, emphasized the urgency of deploying a force to monitor the ceasefire, protect civilians, and ensure a safe environment in the Palestinian enclave.

Recent conflicts in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of nearly 70,700 people, predominantly women and children, and injuries to over 171,100 individuals. These hostilities ceased following a ceasefire deal effective from October 10, 2023. The initial phase of this agreement involves the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and outlines plans for rebuilding Gaza and establishing a new governing framework excluding Hamas.