Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and outgoing US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions to ensure the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and address developments in Syria.
On Sunday, January 19, 2025, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani received a phone call from Antony Blinken, as reported by the Qatari Foreign Ministry. The conversation focused on strategies to effectively implement the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, facilitate the exchange of prisoners and hostages, and assess the current situation in Syria.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of adhering to the ceasefire terms. Sheikh Al Thani expressed Qatar’s hope that all parties would commit to the agreement and proceed with the exchange of prisoners and hostages. Blinken conveyed the United States’ appreciation for Qatar’s continuous efforts in mediating and achieving the ceasefire.
The ceasefire agreement in Gaza came into effect on Sunday at 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT), following a brief delay attributed to Israel’s accusations against Hamas for postponing the release of a list of captives. The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and a humanitarian crisis in the region.
In addition to the Gaza ceasefire, the discussions between Al Thani and Blinken included an evaluation of the developments in Syria, aiming to address ongoing challenges and promote stability in the region.
