Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to meet Qatar’s emir

Palestinian President visits Qatari emir to discuss cease-fire efforts, humanitarian aid amid Israeli threats of Gaza offensive

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will meet the Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss securing a cease-fire in Gaza Monday.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Doha on Sunday.

Qatar helped broker a humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza before.

Abbas and the Emir will also talk about exploring avenues to enhance aid for the 2.3 million residents of the besieged territory.

This visit coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge to advance plans for a potential ground offensive on Rafah despite mounting international concerns about the repercussions for the 1.4 million Palestinians residing in the densely populated city in southern Gaza.

The United States, Israel’s primary international ally, cautioned against an assault on Rafah, emphasizing its potential to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed similar concerns, noting the lack of safe havens for Palestinian civilians in the city.

Egypt issued a warning about the severe consequences of a prospective Israeli military operation in Rafah, situated near its border.

Efforts to broker a cease-fire and secure the release of hostages have encountered obstacles. Israel recently rejected a ceasefire proposal put forward by Hamas, citing concerns about the group’s continued presence in Rafah.

Last Thursday, a Hamas delegation visited Cairo for cease-fire discussions with Egyptian and Qatari officials before departing.

Source: Newsroom

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