What happened:
Security sources told Reuters that the vehicle carrying the Qatari officials overturned on a curve roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Sharm el-Sheikh. Egyptian media reported that five Qataris and an Egyptian driver were in the car, which lost control due to a steering malfunction.
Details:
Two others were injured and are receiving treatment at Sharm el-Sheikh International Hospital. The victims were identified as Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, Abdullah Ghanem Al-Khulaifi, and Hassan Jaber Al-Jaber.
The embassy confirmed that the injured and the bodies of the deceased would be repatriated to Doha later on Sunday.
Context:
The accident occurred just days after Qatari, Turkish, and Egyptian officials held indirect talks in Sharm el-Sheikh that led to a preliminary agreement between Israel and Hamas as part of the first phase of U.S. President Donald Trump’s so-called peace plan to end the war in Gaza. The Egyptian resort city is set to host a global summit on Monday aimed at finalizing the ceasefire and hostage release deal.
Why it matters:
The deaths come at a sensitive diplomatic moment, as Qatar plays a key mediating role in the Gaza negotiations. The loss of high-ranking officials from the Amiri Diwan could impact Qatar’s participation in the upcoming summit and underscores the risks faced by diplomats operating in high-stakes conflict zones.
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