Qatari FM: Palestinians must govern Gaza Strip

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani has said that the Gaza Strip is part of Palestinian territory and it must be governed by Palestinians.

The Qatari foreign minister made the remarks at a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who arrived in Doha as part of the Middle East tour, Anadolu Agency reports.

Al-Thani noted that the murder of Deputy Chairman of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Hamas movement, Saleh al-Arouri, could have an impact on the complex negotiation process.

“However, despite the difficulties, negotiations with the parties to the conflict are underway, efforts are being made to quickly reach an agreement. A ceasefire will be reached in the Gaza Strip, the volume of humanitarian aid will be increased and prisoners of war will be released,” he said.

“The Gaza Strip is part of Palestinian territory and must be controlled by the Palestinians, when only the Palestinian people are entitled to make decisions,” he stressed.

During his visit to Doha, Blinken also met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.