Doha confirmed, on Sunday evening, that the assassination of Hamas leader, Saleh Al-Arouri, in the southern suburb of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, last week, “complicates negotiations on the release of the Israeli hostages” held in Gaza.

The Qatari Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, said during a joint press conference with his American counterpart, Anthony Blinken, who is conducting a Middle Eastern tour in light of the continuing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip,“ that the attack against a senior Hamas leader (referring to the assassination of Al-Arouri) complicates negotiations on the release of the hostages.”

He added: "We are going through challenges in the ongoing negotiations regarding the release of the hostages... and try to reach an agreement that leads to the release of the hostages and a ceasefire."

He stressed that "the expansion of the conflict in the region is possible and work must be done to prevent this," adding: "We emphasized the importance of pressure to stop the fighting and allow aid to pass into the Gaza Strip."

He stated that "the recent events, whether in Lebanon or Syria, are condemnable and are a violation of the sovereignty of countries."

He pointed out that "there is no peace in the region except through a just and comprehensive settlement within the framework of international legitimacy."

He added: "Our priority at the current stage is to end the ongoing war in Gaza."

Regarding the Yemeni Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, Al Thani said: “We do not see that the military solution is the correct solution in response to what is happening in the Red Sea,” in reference to the coalition formed by Washington to deal with threats in the Red Sea.

Blinken said, "It is very important that Israel do more to protect civilians in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid."

He added, "The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea caused the disruption of more than 20% of international shipments, and caused harm to people across the world."

“The ongoing conflict could easily spread, causing greater suffering,” he said, adding: “We have an obligation to use our influence to avoid the emergence of new fronts in the current conflict.”

He continued: "We raise with Israel the need to do everything possible to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza."

He said, "90% of the population of the Gaza Strip faces a severe food shortage," noting that "the immediate increase of aid in Gaza, especially in the north, is essential."

The US Secretary of State stated, "The United Nations can play a decisive role regarding the return of Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza."

He added: "We reject the statements issued by officials in Israel regarding the displacement of Gaza's residents."