Gaza ceasefire at a 'critical juncture', warn mediators, in danger of falling apart

Doha, Qatar Qatars Prime Minister has signaled that the Gaza truce is at a precarious stage and could fall apart without swift progress toward a lasting peace agreement. Turkiyes Foreign Minister also highlighted the risk of losing momentum in the process.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani told the Doha Forum that the current situation on the ground is more of a pause than a real ceasefire. He stressed that a genuine ceasefire requires a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the restoration of stability and freedom of movement for Palestinians, none of which have yet been achieved.

Turkiyes top diplomat Hakan Fidan reinforced this warning, noting that the peace effort could stall entirely without prompt intervention from the United States. Fidan added that Hamas has largely fulfilled its commitments regarding the return of captives, with only one remaining body still in Gaza; all other captives and remains have been transferred to Israeli authorities.

The warnings come amid ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza, with around 600 ceasefire violations recorded over the past seven weeks. On Saturday, three Palestinians were killed in an attack in the northern town of Beit Lahiya. Since the October 10 ceasefire, at least 360 Palestinians have died, including at least 70 children, according to UNICEF.

Fidan noted that several Muslim-majority nations are willing to contribute troops to a proposed international stabilization force endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, but Israel opposes Turkish involvement. Mr. Netanyahu does not want Turkish troops there, Fidan said.

Norways Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed the need for the international force and peace council to be established this month. He warned that ambiguities in the previous US plan allowed both sides to delay their obligations, further slowing progress.

Egypts Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty proposed deploying the international force along Gazas yellow line immediately to monitor ceasefire compliance, highlighting daily violations by Israel. He also emphasized the urgency as winter approaches and Palestinians continue to lack adequate shelter.

Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Egypt and Qatar, criticized Israels plan to open the Rafah border crossing only for departures. They argued this one-way arrangement violates the US-brokered peace plan, potentially leading to permanent displacement of Gazas population and obstructing humanitarian aid.

Saudi Arabias Minister Plenipotentiary Manal Radwan cautioned against treating Gaza as an isolated issue, stating it is inseparable from the broader Palestinian struggle for self-determination. She warned that without addressing the root of the conflict, the cycle of violence and political fatigue will continue.

The second phase of the ceasefire, which includes establishing an international stabilization force, forming a technocratic Palestinian government, disarming Hamas, and achieving full Israeli withdrawal, has not yet begun. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 70,125 Palestinian deaths since October 2023.

Author: Natalie Monroe