Qatar Urges Hamas and Israel to Begin Immediate Talks on Gaza Ceasefire’s Second Phase
Qatar’s prime minister calls on Hamas and Israel to initiate phase two of the Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing urgency in negotiations.
Qatar Pushes for Next Phase of Ceasefire Negotiations
In an urgent appeal, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has called on Hamas and Israel to immediately commence talks for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. Speaking at a joint press conference with Turkey’s Foreign Minister in Doha, Sheikh Mohammed underscored the need for both parties to honor the terms of the existing agreement and move forward with the next stage of peace negotiations.
“We demand that both Hamas and Israel engage immediately, as stipulated in the agreement,” Sheikh Mohammed stated, emphasizing the importance of swift diplomatic action.
Ceasefire Agreement Timeline and the Road Ahead
The ceasefire deal, structured in three phases, has temporarily halted hostilities in Gaza. Under its terms, discussions regarding phase two must commence before the 16th day of phase one, which falls on Monday. As of now, however, there remains uncertainty about when and where these negotiations will take place.
Mediators, including Qatar, have been in active discussions with both parties via diplomatic channels. According to Sheikh Mohammed, an agenda for the next round of negotiations has been established, and efforts are underway to facilitate meaningful progress.
“We hope to see movement in the next few days. It is critical to get things rolling now to reach an agreement before day 42,” he added.
Progress So Far: Hostage Releases and Prisoner Exchanges
Since the agreement took effect, Hamas has released 18 hostages, while Israel has freed hundreds of Palestinian detainees from its prisons. However, over 70 hostages remain in Gaza, making the next phase of negotiations particularly significant.
The second stage of the deal is expected to focus on the release of all remaining captives, alongside a broader objective of achieving a permanent cessation of violence and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. This step remains a major point of contention, as both sides weigh their political and security considerations.
Diplomatic Efforts: Key Players and Mediation Strategy
Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, has played a central role in mediating between Hamas and Israel over the past 15 months. These diplomatic efforts have had Washington’s backing, ensuring sustained pressure on both parties to remain engaged in dialogue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has confirmed that he will initiate discussions regarding phase two of the ceasefire agreement on Monday in Washington. Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, to outline Israel’s stance.
Following his meeting with Netanyahu, Witkoff is expected to hold discussions with Qatari and Egyptian officials to align strategies for advancing the peace process.
Challenges and Uncertain Outcomes
Despite the diplomatic momentum, challenges persist. Political divisions within Israel, strategic calculations by Hamas, and regional power dynamics continue to complicate the path to a sustainable ceasefire. The question of a long-term resolution remains unresolved, with multiple stakeholders seeking different outcomes.
International observers caution that without immediate and decisive action, the fragile truce could collapse, reigniting tensions in the region. Humanitarian organizations have also raised concerns about the ongoing plight of civilians in Gaza, urging swift diplomatic intervention to secure lasting peace.
What’s Next for Gaza and the Region?
The coming days will be critical in determining whether phase two of the ceasefire agreement moves forward as intended. With pressure mounting on all sides, the role of mediators like Qatar remains pivotal in ensuring dialogue continues.
As world leaders and diplomatic teams prepare for high-stakes discussions, the hope for a lasting resolution hinges on the willingness of Hamas and Israel to uphold their commitments and work toward a sustainable peace agreement.
Qatar’s call for immediate negotiations underscores the urgency of solidifying the ceasefire and advancing peace efforts in Gaza. With diplomatic channels actively engaged, the world watches closely as stakeholders navigate the complexities of securing a long-term resolution to one of the most enduring conflicts in modern history. The coming weeks will reveal whether international mediation efforts can steer both sides toward a lasting peace deal or if further escalation looms on the horizon.
Source: (Reuters)
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