Qatar reevaluates role as Gaza war mediator
Rockets are fired toward Israel from the Gaza Strip, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. Associated Press photographers have captured what six months of devastating war have brought for Israel and for Palestinians. At its six-month mark, it is not clear what direction the war will now take. Weeks of mediation by the U.S., Egypt and Qatar for a longer cease-fire have so far been unable to make a breakthrough.
Qatar has been holding negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages and bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza. But those efforts have so far failed and Qatar is taking heat for its role from politicians in Washington. And, British surgeon Dr. Khaled Dawas completed his second trip to Gaza last week. He tells us about deteriorating health care conditions in the conflict zone. Also, repeated volcanic eruptions on a remote island in the Indonesian archipelago have prompted authorities to issue a tsunami alert and order more than 11,000 people to leave the area. Indonesia sits along the “Ring of Fire” and has 120 active volcanoes. Plus, a walk across the plains of eastern Turkey, historically known as Anatolia.
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