Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have hit a roadblock following Israeli military actions in Rafah, according to Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani.

The recent Israeli operations in Rafah have shut down a crucial aid crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation, humanitarian groups report.

Speaking at an economic forum in Doha, Sheikh Mohammed stated, "In recent weeks, we've seen some progress, but unfortunately, things have taken a step back. The situation is at a standstill, particularly due to the events in Rafah."

Qatar, which has been actively mediating between Hamas and Israel during the seven-month conflict, pledges to persist in its efforts to find a resolution. "Our role is clear: we're mediators. We'll continue our mediation efforts," Sheikh Mohammed emphasized.

The primary sticking points between the parties revolve around the release of hostages and cessation of hostilities, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted.

According to health officials in Gaza, over 34,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in Israel's offensive. The conflict began when Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel in October, resulting in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 252 individuals. Of these, 133 are believed to still be held captive in Gaza, Israeli authorities claim.

"The crux of the matter lies in one party aiming to end the conflict before addressing the hostage situation, while the other insists on resolving the hostages' issue first and continuing the conflict. Without finding common ground on these issues, progress will be difficult," Sheikh Mohammed concluded.

Efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza have hit a snag due to Israeli military actions in Rafah, as reported by Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. The recent Israeli operations in Rafah have exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation by shutting down a crucial aid crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border, according to humanitarian groups. Speaking at an economic forum in Doha, Sheikh Mohammed expressed disappointment, stating that while there had been some progress in recent weeks, the situation had regressed, largely due to the events unfolding in Rafah. Despite the setback, Qatar remains committed to its role as a mediator between Hamas and Israel, emphasizing that their focus is solely on mediation efforts.

The crux of the issue lies in the differing priorities of the parties involved, particularly concerning the release of hostages and cessation of hostilities. With over 34,000 Palestinians reported dead in Israel's offensive and ongoing conflict since October, tensions persist. Hamas militants' initial attack on Israel resulted in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 252 individuals, with 133 still believed to be held captive in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Sheikh Mohammed underscored the challenge of finding common ground, noting that one party seeks to resolve the conflict before addressing the hostage situation, while the other insists on addressing the hostages' issue first and continuing the conflict. As long as this fundamental difference persists, reaching a resolution remains elusive.

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