Qatar Engages US on Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has reported renewed momentum in Gaza ceasefire talks, suggesting a potential agreement could be reached before Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. He indicated that the incoming Trump administration has expressed encouragement for negotiations, which have become critical as the conflict has lasted over 14 months and resulted in over 44,000 Palestinian deaths. Al Thani emphasized that the gaps between Hamas and Israel are not substantial, but there are significant discussions regarding a potential prisoner exchange. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has already begun diplomatic efforts, meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Al Thani to advance the dialogue. The Qatari leader remarked on the importance of maintaining confidentiality in negotiations to avoid public disappointments. Al Thani also noted that both Trump and Biden share a common goal of ending the ongoing war in Gaza.