There is positive engagement between Hamas and Israel as Qatar is holding separate discussions with delegations of both parties in Doha, spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said Tuesday.
Speaking at a media briefing, Al Ansari said that formal talks have not yet begun, but through separate discussions, they hope to establish a framework that will be instrumental in ensuring the talks succeed.
"What is happening right now is that both delegations are in Doha. We are speaking with them separately on a framework for the talks. So, talks have not begun as of yet, but we are talking to both sides over that framework, and we hope that we can establish a framework that would be very instrumental for the talks to succeed," said Al Ansari.
According to the spokesman, Qatar opposes any plan for the forced relocation of the Palestinians and calls on the international community to support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
"We have said very clearly that we are against any forced relocation of Palestinians or any relocation of Palestinians outside their land. We have always said that the Palestinians have a right, like any other peoples in the world, to exist where their land is. And this exactly contradicts that right as stated by international law, international norms," he said.
A new round of indirect talks between Hamas and Israel resumed Sunday in Doha amid international efforts to end the conflict that has devastated Gaza for more than 20 months.
Qatar reports positive engagement between Hamas, Israel in Gaza ceasefire talks
Hong Kong's first astronaut lifted off into space on Sunday, sparking a wave of enthusiasm for space exploration in the special administrative region, while inspiring a new generation to look to the stars.
The Shenzhou-23 crewed spaceship, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, blasted off from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China at 23:08 (Beijing Time) on Sunday. The crew members include Lai Ka-ying, the first astronaut and payload specialist from Hong Kong to join a national space mission, whose achievements have motivated many Hong Kong residents.
"I feel so happy and thrilled. This is the first time a Hong Kong astronaut has gone to space, and to see a true Hong Konger, who is also a mother of three, just really touches my heart," said Chow, a local resident.
The successful spaceflight of Lai has especially captivated the younger generation to dream bigger about the future.
"I want to be an astronaut, because I want to discover more things about space," said a young student surnamed Chow.
"I have seen things related to spaceflights of astronauts. I hope when I grow up, I could receive training and go to space myself," said another student surnamed Koo.
To meet public expectations, the Hong Kong Space Museum has updated its space-themed exhibition with the latest development of the Shenzhou-23 mission, extending the display until July 6. Parents are seizing the moment to enrich their children's knowledge.
"At his age, I want him to be exposed to a wide range of information. With all the recent astronaut news, I brought him here specially to see for himself. We will also check out a film about space knowledge at the planetarium. I hope he can get more out of this from an early age," said Cheung, a father.
"We just watched the Shenzhou-23 launch at home with my son last night, and decided to take him to the Space Museum," a mother surnamed Chun shared.
"I saw on TV that so many people were cheering for the launch. When the rocket was launched, fire burst out from its body. I was really happy they succeeded," said Chun's son.
Hong Kong's first astronaut ignites citywide enthusiasm over space exploration
