Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has declared the recently approved ceasefire deal as the “last chance to save Gaza,” emphasizing that lasting peace in the region hinges on the establishment of a Palestinian state. In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Al Thani revealed that the framework for the deal was first discussed in December 2023, just two months into the ongoing conflict.
The Framework of the deal
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The qatari Prime Minister stated that the current agreement follows the same framework as the one proposed in December 2023. Though, he expressed frustration over the prolonged negotiations, calling them “13 months of a waste of negotiating the details that have no meaning and are not worth a single life that we lost in Gaza or a single life of the hostages lost as of the bombing.”
Al Thani stressed the urgency of the situation, warning that ”peace won’t happen” without the creation of a Palestinian state.”We are aiming for a Palestinian state and an Israeli state living side-by-side, peacefully,” he told Sky news.
Trump’s Pivotal Role
Al Thani credited incoming President-elect Donald Trump and his special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, for their instrumental roles in achieving the deal. “We beleive President Trump can create a greater impact for the region. Steve Witkoff demonstrated leadership in these negotiations. We see the way he fought for a deal to happen,” he said.
The Qatari Prime Minister expressed optimism about the future, stating that if this approach is maintained, thay can “create a lot of good things for the region” in the next four years. His sentiments were echoed by former Hamas minister Basem Naim, who told Al Arabiya that “The Gaza ceasefire agreement would not have happened without Donald Trump.”
key Points of the Ceasefire Deal
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Framework | Follows the December 2023 proposal |
| Negotiation Duration | 13 months |
| Key Figures | Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff |
| Outcome | Last chance to save Gaza, hinges on Palestinian statehood |
The Path Forward
Al Thani’s remarks underscore the critical nature of the ceasefire deal and the need for a two-state solution to achieve lasting peace. As the region looks to the future, the involvement of key figures like Donald Trump and Steve Witkoff will be crucial in navigating the complexities of Middle Eastern politics.
For more updates on the ongoing developments in the region, follow our coverage on Qatar’s role in Middle Eastern diplomacy and the latest breaking news.Trump’s Pressure on Netanyahu: A Race Against Time for Middle East Stability
As tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, former U.S. President Donald Trump has emerged as a central figure in the push for a resolution to the ongoing conflict. Both former Trump advisor Steve Bannon and former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert have pointed to Trump as exerting notable pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a deal.Bannon, in an interview with Politico, revealed that Trump’s warnings were not directed at Hamas but squarely at Netanyahu. “It wasn’t a warning to Hamas. It was a warning to Netanyahu. To Bibi,” Bannon stated.
Trump’s urgency is palpable.He has aggressively pushed for a deal to be finalized before his potential return to office on January 20.In a stark warning to both sides,trump told reporters,“All hell will break out. If those hostages aren’t back, I don’t want to hurt your negotiation; if they’re not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East.” This statement underscores the high stakes of the negotiations and the potential for further destabilization in the region.Following the announcement of the deal, Trump reiterated his stance, emphasizing the need for swift action. “Frankly, it better be done before I take the oath of office,” he said, cautioning both parties against collapsing the agreement.
Key Points at a Glance
| Key Figure | Statement/Position | Implications |
|————————–|—————————————————————————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Donald Trump | Warned of chaos if hostages aren’t returned by January 20. | Highlights urgency and potential for regional instability. |
| Steve Bannon | Claimed Trump’s warnings were directed at Netanyahu, not Hamas. | suggests internal pressure on Israeli leadership. |
| Benjamin Netanyahu | Facing pressure to secure a deal before Trump’s potential return to office. | Indicates the geopolitical weight of U.S. influence in the region. |
Trump’s approach reflects his characteristic bluntness and willingness to leverage his influence to shape outcomes. His warnings to Netanyahu, as highlighted by Bannon, reveal a strategic focus on ensuring that the israeli leader takes decisive action.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for significant repercussions if the deal collapses.As the january 20 deadline looms,all eyes are on Netanyahu and Hamas to see if they can navigate the complexities of the negotiations under such intense pressure.
For more insights into the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations,explore the latest updates from Reuters and BBC.
Stay informed with the latest developments by subscribing to The Jerusalem Post Newsletter.
Trump’s Pressure on Netanyahu: A Race Against Time for Middle East Stability
In a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape, former U.S. President Donald Trump has re-emerged as a pivotal player in the push for a resolution to the Middle East conflict. Drawing on his characteristic bluntness and willingness to wield influence, Trump has reportedly pressured israeli Prime Minister Benjamin netanyahu to secure a deal before the January 20 deadline. As internal pressures mount and the stakes for regional stability intensify, we sat down with Dr. Aaron Levine, a renowned expert on U.S.-Israel relations and Middle Eastern geopolitics, to unpack the dynamics at play.
The Pressure on Netanyahu
Senior Editor: dr. Levine, thank you for joining us. Let’s start with the pressure on Netanyahu. Reports suggest Trump is urging him to act decisively. Why is this moment so critical?
Dr. Aaron Levine: Thank you for having me. This moment is indeed critical as it represents a convergence of multiple factors. First, there’s the looming deadline of January 20, which adds a sense of urgency. Secondly, Trump’s potential return to office creates a unique dynamic. Netanyahu knows that if Trump is re-elected, his approach to the region could shift dramatically. trump is leveraging this uncertainty to push for a deal now, while he still has significant influence.
Senior Editor: how do you think Netanyahu is navigating this pressure?
Dr. Aaron Levine: It’s a delicate balancing act.On one hand, Netanyahu is aware of the geopolitical weight of U.S. influence. On the other hand, he has to consider domestic pressures and the complexities of negotiating with Hamas. His challenge is to secure a deal that satisfies both international expectations and internal political realities.The stakes are incredibly high, and any misstep could have far-reaching consequences.
Trump’s Role and Strategy
Senior Editor: Trump’s approach here seems consistent with his characteristic style—direct and assertive. How is his involvement shaping the negotiations?
Dr. Aaron Levine: Trump’s involvement is both a blessing and a challenge.His directness can cut through bureaucratic red tape and accelerate decision-making. However,it can also create tension,especially when dealing with sensitive issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By warning Netanyahu to act now, Trump is essentially setting the tone for the negotiations. His strategy appears to be about ensuring that any deal struck aligns with his vision for the region, which includes a strong focus on israel’s security and strategic interests.
Senior Editor: Do you think Trump’s influence is a decisive factor here?
Dr. Aaron Levine: Absolutely.Trump’s influence cannot be overstated. His governance’s policies,such as moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, have already reshaped the geopolitical landscape. His warnings to Netanyahu carry significant weight, especially given his close relationship with the Israeli leadership. In many ways, Trump is acting as a catalyst, pushing both sides toward a resolution while simultaneously ensuring that the U.S.remains a central player in the process.
The Broader Implications
Senior Editor: Beyond the immediate negotiations, what are the broader implications of this pressure campaign?
Dr. Aaron Levine: The broader implications are profound. First, this underscores the enduring influence of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, even in its more unconventional forms. Second, it highlights the fragile nature of negotiations in such a volatile region. If a deal is secured, it could pave the way for more stable U.S.-Israel relations and perhaps open the door to broader regional cooperation.However, if the deal collapses, it could exacerbate tensions and lead to further instability.
Senior Editor: What role do other regional players like Hamas and Qatar play in this context?
Dr. Aaron Levine: Hamas and Qatar are key players in this equation.Qatar, in particular, has been instrumental in brokering negotiations, as seen in recent ceasefire efforts.Hamas, on the other hand, poses a complex challenge. Their demands and actions will substantially influence the outcome of any deal. The interplay between these actors and the pressure from the U.S.creates a multifaceted dynamic that Netanyahu must navigate carefully.
The Road Ahead
Senior Editor: As the January 20 deadline approaches, what should we be watching for?
Dr. Aaron Levine: All eyes should be on three key areas: first, the level of progress in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas; second, the intensity of Trump’s public and private pressure on Netanyahu; and third, the reactions of regional players like Qatar and Egypt. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether a deal can be reached or if the region is headed toward further escalation.
Senior editor: Dr. Levine, thank you for your insights. This is undoubtedly a pivotal moment for the middle East, and your expertise has shed valuable light on the complexities at play.
Dr. Aaron Levine: Thank you. It’s a fluid and challenging situation, but one that holds the potential for meaningful progress if handled with care and foresight.
For more updates on the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations, explore the latest insights from Reuters and BBC. Stay informed with the latest developments by subscribing to The jerusalem Post Newsletter.
