Qatar has clarified that there is no formal mediation in place between Hezbollah and Israel for a ceasefire in Lebanon. This statement comes in response to a proposed 21-day truce by the United States and its allies to de-escalate the conflict in the region.
During a news conference in Doha, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari emphasized that it is still too early for direct talks between the warring parties. He mentioned that while all channels of communication remain open, there is no formal mediation track established at this point.
Qatar, along with several US allies, endorsed a ceasefire framework proposed by the US. Al Ansari expressed optimism about the potential for an international role in resolving the conflict but highlighted the urgent need to address the escalating situation on the ground.
Senior US administration officials believe that the proposed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon could create diplomatic opportunities and help advance stalled ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas.
Al Ansari clarified that there is no direct connection between discussions on potential ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon. He noted that Qatar, Egypt, and the US are currently mediating ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel, while separate efforts are underway to address the conflict in Lebanon.
He emphasized that the focus is on halting the war in Lebanon immediately, with multiple parties involved in the process. Al Ansari underscored that while there are distinct tracks for Lebanon and Gaza, there is no coordinated effort to de-escalate both conflicts simultaneously.
