Credited from: ALJAZEERA
At the Doha Forum, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that the Gaza ceasefire is at a "critical moment" and cannot be considered complete until there is a full withdrawal of Israeli forces. He emphasized the necessity for stability in Gaza and for unrestricted movement of people, which remains unachieved. "What we have just done is a pause," he remarked, highlighting the challenges ahead in solidifying the truce, according to Dawn and SCMP.
Since the ceasefire began on October 10, intermittent violence has persisted, with over 360 Palestinians reported killed due to Israeli actions, despite the cessation of major hostilities. Reports highlight ongoing Israeli strikes that have resulted in civilian casualties, continuing a cycle of violence and blame between Hamas and Israel. Recent incidents include several fatalities due to airstrikes and confrontations along the established ceasefire lines, according to Channel News Asia and Middle East Eye.
The second phase of the ceasefire arrangement involves deploying an international stabilisation force, the formation of an interim Palestinian government, and further disarmament of Hamas. This phase remains under negotiation, with the participation of various nations still unresolved. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Egyptian officials have expressed the need for prompt action to prevent the peace process from faltering, underscoring the urgency of deploying the stabilisation force to ensure compliance with the ceasefire, according to Al Jazeera and CBS News.
The recent talks at the Doha Forum reflect a broader concern among mediators about the ongoing situation in Gaza. With widespread violations of the ceasefire and the urgent need for restored governance, there is a consensus that lasting peace will require comprehensive solutions that include the rights of the Palestinian people and an eventual path to statehood. Sheikh Mohammed remarked that addressing the immediate crisis is insufficient, and deeper solutions are necessary, as noted by Los Angeles Times and The Jakarta Post.