Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar has continued its efforts and regional contacts with various parties over the past period to encourage a return to the path of negotiations between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran. During the weekly press briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar had warned since the beginning of the crisis of the wide repercussions of any escalation, not only on the region, but also on the global economy, reiterating Qatar's continued efforts to support diplomatic solutions and reduce tension. Regarding the American statements concerning economic sanctions on Iran, Al Ansari said that the State of Qatar and the countries of the region have warned from day one about the economic repercussions of war and escalation. He indicated that the priority for the State of Qatar is to restore normal navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, ensure global energy and food security, and maintain the safety of supply chains, which are goals that can only be achieved through a comprehensive diplomatic solution. He clarified that the sanctions being discussed do not directly affect the State of Qatar, noting that Doha adheres to the framework of international sanctions and interacts positively with the measures adopted in this context, while emphasizing that the sovereign decisions of countries remain linked to regional developments and to efforts made to find consensual solutions. He added that the sanctions in question were imposed by a specific party and are not UN sanctions, emphasizing that Qatar's stance stems from supporting negotiations and diplomatic solutions, not siding with one party at the expense of another. He also stressed the importance of all parties engaging in dialogue to end the crisis. In response to statements by some Iranian officials regarding targeting countries in the region, Al Ansari affirmed Qatar's categorical rejection of such statements, considering that attempts to drag countries in the region into existing conflicts will only lead to further escalation. He said that the State of Qatar, with all its institutions and armed forces, is fully prepared to defend its security and sovereignty against any aggression, regardless of its source or justifications, reiterating Doha's rejection of any threat to the security and stability of the countries of the region. Regarding joint Gulf coordination, Al Ansari highlighted that communications and meetings between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries have been ongoing since the beginning of the crisis, noting the visit made by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani to Riyadh last week and his meeting with HH Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud. He affirmed the high level of coordination among the Gulf states to address any potential threats and monitor escalating developments. He noted that all GCC countries support reaching a peaceful resolution to the crisis. He explained that Qatar's direct communication with Iran falls within the framework of mediation efforts and pushing for a resumption of negotiations. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari stressed the need to restore freedom of navigation and maritime passage in accordance with international laws. He emphasized that the crisis requires a political and diplomatic solution that guarantees regional stability and preserves the common interests of all parties. In response to a question about the Financial Times report on the reduction of budgets of government agencies and the reduction of funding for Qatari foreign aid, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said that the figures mentioned in the Financial Times report on the reduction of budgets of a number of government agencies and the reduction of funding for Qatari foreign aid were inaccurate, stressing that much of it was taken out of context. Al Ansari added that media outlets are required to refer to official sources to verify the announced figures and information, stressing that the economic indicators and growth figures that will be announced during the coming period will reflect the strength of the Qatari economy and its ability to deal with current developments. He clarified that talk of reducing budgets by up to 30 percent is related to the precautionary measures taken by the state at the beginning of the regional crisis, as is the case for any country facing exceptional circumstances or an escalation in the region. He noted that this percentage relates to operational expenses only, and does not include salaries or capital projects. He added that the priority for the Qatari decision-maker was to ensure that the lives of citizens and residents were not affected, whether in terms of the availability of products, supply chains, salaries and other aspects of living. He stressed that the State of Qatar continues to enjoy a normal economic life despite the regional challenges. He pointed out that the second priority was to ensure the continuation of national development projects and that they would not be stopped for any reason, indicating that these projects are proceeding according to the plans drawn up for them, and that all the measures taken come within the framework of precautionary measures imposed by regional circumstances. He stressed that these economic measures are not structural or permanent, but rather circumstantial measures related to the current escalation in the region, and do not represent a change in the structure of the Qatari economy or its strategic directions. Regarding the Israeli stance on moving to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the State of Qatar has repeatedly stressed the need to exert pressure on Israel to accept the proposed plan and proceed with its implementation, noting that the developments on the ground in Gaza and the West Bank do not reflect positive cooperation with the ongoing efforts. He added that the mediators, particularly the State of Qatar and the United States of America, are continuing to work to ensure the implementation of the agreed commitments on the ground, and to push toward completing the stages of the plan and achieving progress in the path of de-escalation. Regarding the peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Al Ansari welcomed the progress made by the parties involved in the mediation efforts, as reflected in the statement issued after the meetings hosted by Switzerland on the implementation of the roadmap and the completion of negotiations on the remaining protocols. He reiterated the State of Qatar's commitment to continuing to support efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive and sustainable peace in the DRC, appreciating the positive interaction of the parties involved in the negotiation process, and emphasizing Doha's support for all international and regional initiatives and efforts supporting the peace process.

Coinciding with the start of the new academic year and as part of its commitment to safeguarding students, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal) has announced the completion of traffic safety measures at 674 schools across Qatar.As the back-to-school period requires co-ordinated efforts between families, schools and relevant government entities, Ashghal continues to work closely with all concerned entities to ensure a safe and healthy start to the academic year for every student.This includes enhancing the readiness of infrastructure surrounding schools as a key element in protecting students and creating a secure educational environment that supports their future development, in line with the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030.Eng. Abdulla al-Maraghi, road safety engineer at Ashghal's Roads Operation and Maintenance Department, said that school road safety remains a key priority for the authority through its School Zone Traffic Safety Programme, which has been ongoing since 2013.To date, the programme covers 675 schools, with their surrounding areas assessed and upgraded in accordance with the highest international safety standards."Co-operation between state entities strengthens families' confidence in the education system,” al-Maraghi said. “Over the past few months, Ashghal's teams have intensified their efforts to implement integrated engineering solutions around schools.”“However, safe infrastructure is only half the equation,” he said, adding: “The other half depends on road users' responsibility towards safe driving practices.”Key safety measures include setting a maximum speed limit of 30kph, installing speed humps to calm traffic, and renewing road markings, pedestrian crossings and red road surfacing to provide cyclists with early warning when approaching school zones.Sidewalks have also been widened and protective barriers installed, in addition to dedicated ramps to ensure safe and convenient access for students with disabilities.Ashghal also calls on all road users to follow safe driving practices around schools, particularly by observing the designated speed limits and reducing speed when approaching school zones, especially during student arrival and dismissal times.Cyclists are also urged to park only in designated areas, give full priority to pedestrians, come to a complete stop at pedestrian crossings, and maintain a safe distance from students and school staff.