Qatar and Egypt, the guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire, have called for the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the deployment of an international stabilisation force as necessary steps to fully implement the fragile peace agreement. The measures were outlined in a US- and UN-backed peace plan that has largely halted fighting, though progress towards the second phase remains stalled.
Speaking at the Doha Forum, Qatari premier Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasised that a ceasefire cannot be completed without a full Israeli withdrawal and the restoration of stability in Gaza. Egypt's foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, accused Israel of daily violations of the ceasefire and urged the deployment of an international force along the 'yellow line' to monitor the truce.
Key sticking points have emerged over the second phase of the deal, particularly the issue of Hamas's disarmament. Hamas has indicated it is ready to hand over its weapons to a Palestinian authority on condition that the Israeli occupation ends. Turkey's foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, cautioned against prioritising disarmament, calling for a realistic approach and urging US intervention to ensure the plan's success.
Fidan also highlighted the risk of the plan failing due to numerous Israeli violations. The Qatari premier stressed that the next phase is temporary and called for a lasting solution providing justice for both peoples.
