Gaza ceasefire talks stalled for weeks

Amid complicated tensions in the Middle East, the international community is still promoting many diplomatic efforts to cool down the situation.

However, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said on October 16 that the negotiation process on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip has been stalled for a long time.

Speaking to reporters after the European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Brussels, Belgium, Mr. Al Thani expressed concern about the prospect of ceasefire negotiations in Gaza as the parties involved have not had any dialogue or contact in the past 3 to 4 weeks.

The Qatari leader said it was an extremely regrettable signal that all sides remained silent on this issue.

On the same day, the US expressed its hope that Israel would take further steps to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking to reporters, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington acknowledged Israel's initial moves on this issue, such as creating conditions to allow the opening of new warehouses and facilities for UN agencies and other humanitarian groups to operate.

However, Mr. Miller stressed that the US expected more substantive results, including more aid trucks being able to reach Gaza.

Regarding the situation in Lebanon, Washington believes that Israel has the right to attack Hezbollah targets but must do so in ways that do not affect the people or civilian infrastructure of this Middle Eastern country.