Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the Gaza ceasefire is incomplete until Israeli troops fully withdraw. The truce, effective since October 10, has mostly halted fighting between Israel and Hamas. Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt helped mediate the agreement.
Under the second phase, Israel is to leave Gaza, an interim authority will govern, and an international stabilisation force (ISF) will deploy. Arab and Muslim countries remain hesitant to join the force, which could confront Palestinian militants. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said key questions remain about the force’s command and member countries.
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Hamas is expected to disarm under a 20-point plan first outlined by U.S. President Trump, with fighters allowed to leave Gaza after surrendering weapons. The group has rejected the plan. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that temporary measures alone are insufficient, and a lasting solution ensuring justice for both sides is needed.
Turkey has expressed interest in contributing to the ISF, but Israel views its involvement skeptically due to Ankara’s ties to Hamas. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met Sheikh Mohammed to discuss the ceasefire and reaffirm support for implementing the Sharm El-Sheikh peace agreement. Egypt plans to train 5,000 police officers for Gaza.
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The mediators aim to advance the next phase of the deal despite obstacles. Sheikh Mohammed stressed that stabilizing Gaza and achieving justice are essential to completing the truce. Without full Israeli withdrawal and international coordination, he said, lasting peace will remain elusive.