DOHA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Wednesday discussed developments in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories with Khalil Al-Hayya, head of Hamas' political bureau.
The meeting, attended by a number of Hamas leaders, addressed the latest developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, according to a statement issued by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Hamas' decision to accept the roadmap for completing the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, expressing hope that the move would help end the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and fulfill their aspirations for security and stability.
He also stressed the "need for the international community to assume its responsibilities and exert pressure on Israel to fulfill its obligations under the agreement and halt its continued violations of the rights of the Palestinian people."
Earlier this month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a U.S.-backed 15-point roadmap for Gaza, insisting Israel will not withdraw until Hamas is fully disarmed. Hamas, in turn, tied any progress to arrangements concerning a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and future administration of the enclave. ■
