Qatar’s prime minister stated on Wednesday that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump seeks a Gaza ceasefire before his inauguration on January 20.
In an interview with Sky News, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani confirmed that Trump expressed a desire to resolve Israel’s conflict with Gaza before assuming office. “Yes, he made that clear,” al-Thani said.
The prime minister noted that Trump’s team had emphasized their urgency. “They want this resolved now—today even,” he recalled from previous discussions.
As a key mediator in the negotiations, al-Thani refrained from disclosing specific details to “protect the process as much as possible.” He emphasized ongoing efforts to stabilize the region and restore security before Trump takes office.
Mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to broker a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap between Israel and Hamas have stalled, largely due to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to halt the war.
Israel launched a large-scale offensive on Gaza following a Hamas attack last October, resulting in the deaths of over 44,530 people, primarily women and children, and injuries to more than 105,500.
The prolonged conflict has faced increasing international condemnation, with many labeling the attacks and aid blockades as attempts to annihilate the population. On November 21, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in Gaza.
During Trump’s first term as president, his administration moved the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, angering Palestinians who view occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.
