Efforts for Gaza truce renewal ongoing, says Qatar

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Qatari prime minister said on Sunday mediation attempts are ongoing for the renewal of a truce in the Gaza Strip.

But continued Israeli airstrikes were "narrowing the window for a fruitfulresult of the diplomatic push, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani warned.

AFP quoted him as telling the Doha Forum: "Our efforts as the state of Qatar along with our partners are continuing. We are not going to give up."

Earlier, Doha played a key role in securing a week-long truce, which paved the way for the release of scores of Palestinian and Israeli hostages and delivery of badly-needed humanitarian aid.

"We are committed to having captives released, but we are also committed to stopping the war," the prime minister said.

Speaking at the same forum, the UN chief voiced his regrets over the Security Council's failure to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The UN council was "paralysed by geostrategic divisions" that were impeding efforts for an end to the war in Gaza, Antonio Guterres said.

He went on to comment: "I reiterated my appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared. Regrettably, the Security Council failed to do it. I can promise, I will not give up."

PAN Monitor/mud