With conditions on the ground deteriorating rapidly, Al-Khulaifi warned that the slow pace of diplomatic efforts is endangering lives and worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

“This process is moving too slowly,” he said during a press briefing. “The human cost of delay is rising by the day. We cannot afford to lose more time.”

Qatar has been a central player in mediating between Israel and Hamas, working alongside Egypt and the United States (US). Despite weeks of shuttle diplomacy, talks have so far failed to yield a breakthrough, raising fears of prolonged violence in the region.

Elsewhere, the father of a US-Israeli hostage held in Gaza has said he remains hopeful his son is still alive. Adi Alexander’s son, Edan, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier, was taken captive during the Hamas-led attack on 2023, October 7.

Although Hamas has claimed it cannot confirm the status of some hostages, including Edan, his father has not given up hope. He is now calling on the US to engage in direct negotiations to help secure the release of those still held in captivity.

--ChannelAfrica--