Qatar’s role in hostage negotiations | Grieving fathers call for peace
Oct 26, 2023
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Israeli and Palestinian peace advocates, Rami Elhanan and Bassam Aramin, share their stories of grief and friendship. Qatar's role in hostage negotiations and the potential for peace if there is a pause in bombing Gaza is discussed.
Transforming pain into positive action through understanding and respect is crucial for achieving peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Qatar's role as a mediator in hostage negotiations is vital, emphasizing the need for a pause in violence to facilitate negotiations and secure the release of hostages.
Deep dives
Israeli and Palestinian Fathers United by Grief and Peace
Rami and Bassam, an Israeli and a Palestinian father, respectively, who both lost their daughters to the violence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have come together in grief and a shared commitment to peace. They belong to an organization called the Parent Circle, which brings together bereaved parents from both sides. This group focuses on transforming their pain and anger into positive action, advocating for understanding, compassion, and respect between Israelis and Palestinians. Rami and Bassam emphasize that the key to resolving the conflict lies in mutual respect, and they call for an end to the demonization and dehumanization of the other side. They believe that peace is possible if the root causes of the conflict, such as occupation and injustice, are addressed.
Qatari Mediators and the Hostage Negotiations
The podcast also discusses the role of Qatar as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in hostage negotiations. Qatar's unique position and diplomatic contacts with both Israel and Hamas have allowed them to play a central role in mediating between both parties. The Qatari team is calling for a pause in the violence, as they believe it is crucial for facilitating negotiations and securing the release of hostages. They stress that continued bombing and escalation make negotiations more challenging and hinder their efforts. Additionally, Qatar raises concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the critical need for aid to reach the area.
The Urgent Need for Hope, Respect, and A New Approach
Rami and Bassam underscore the urgent need for hope and respect as the path to peace. They argue that the conflict cannot be resolved solely by drawing lines on maps or formulating peace agreements. Instead, they urge a restart and a reexamination of the values that drive the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. Rami, in particular, highlights the need for Israelis to reconsider their position and acknowledge the impact of the occupation. The two fathers emphasize that Israelis and Palestinians must see each other as human beings and advocate for a shared future based on justice, dignity, and mutual understanding. They believe that by breaking the cycle of violence and addressing the fundamental issues at stake, a sustainable peace can be achieved.
As Israeli families await news of loved ones who were taken hostage during the attacks by Hamas on 7 October, two men from different sides of the conflict share their story of grief, an unexpected friendship and forgiveness.
On the Sky News Daily, Belle Donati is joined by Rami Elhanan, an Israeli Peace Advocate and Bassam Aramin, a Palestinian Peace Advocate – after they were brought together nearly two decades ago following the loss of their daughters.
Rami’s teenage daughter was killed by a suicide bomber during a shopping trip, while Bassam’s 10-year-old girl was shot by border police outside her school.
Plus, Belle speaks to Sky’s international affairs editor Dominic Waghorn about his exclusive interview with Qatari’s senior hostage negotiator who says that he’s hopeful all the civilian hostages could be released if there is a pause in the bombing of Gaza.
Podcast producer: Emma Rae Woodhouse Interviews producer: Melissa Tutesigensi Promotion producer: Jada-Kai Meosa John Senior podcast producer: Annie Joyce Editor: Wendy Parker
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