Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani blamed a “Palestinian party” for violating the ceasefire in Gaza. He cited the killing of an Israeli soldier in Rafah on Tuesday as the incident that broke the truce. Al-Thani noted that while Hamas denied communication with the group responsible, the claim could not be verified.
The attack prompted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order retaliatory strikes on Gaza. Reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry said 104 people died, mostly women and children. Israel stated its strikes targeted senior Hamas fighters and later announced it would resume observing the ceasefire by Wednesday.
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Al-Thani highlighted Qatar’s intensive engagement with both sides to maintain the ceasefire. He said U.S. involvement played a key role in mediating and ensuring compliance from both parties. The PM stressed the challenges faced since the conflict escalated on October 7.
He further mentioned that Hamas had tried to delay the transfer of bodies, which Qatar and the U.S. insisted must be completed. Al-Thani called the violation “disappointing and frustrating” and emphasized efforts to contain the escalation quickly.
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Finally, the Qatar PM reiterated commitment to stabilizing the situation. He said both Qatar and the U.S. remain actively engaged to uphold the ceasefire and prevent further civilian casualties.