Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has warned that repeated Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire are jeopardizing the entire agreement. He made the remarks after meeting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington.
Since the ceasefire began on October 10, Israel has allegedly violated the agreement at least 738 times. These violations have reportedly resulted in 394 Palestinian deaths and more than 1,075 injuries, according to Al Jazeera. The Qatar PM said that daily breaches place mediators in a “difficult position” and endanger the fragile truce.
The Qatar PM emphasized that humanitarian aid must reach Gaza “unconditionally.” He urged Washington to pressure Israel to allow more supplies into the enclave, which faces a worsening humanitarian crisis.
US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue Highlights Key Issues
During the seventh US-Qatar Strategic Dialogue, officials discussed three major topics:
- Ceasefire enforcement – Qatar stressed the need to stop repeated Israeli violations.
- International Stabilisation Force (ISF) – Plans include Indonesian and Turkish troops, though Israel opposes Turkey’s involvement.
- Humanitarian crisis – Urgent delivery of essential aid to Gaza, where winter storms and restricted access worsen conditions.
The dialogue followed the assassination of senior Hamas commander Raed Saad in Gaza City, further straining the ceasefire.
Winter Crisis Worsens Humanitarian Situation
Gaza is experiencing severe winter storms. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are sheltering in tents or bombed-out buildings. Only 39 percent of aid trucks have reached their destinations. Reports say Israel continues to block nutritious foods while allowing non-essential items. Tragically, two infants recently died of hypothermia, raising the winter death toll to 13.
Calls for Accountability
Hamas Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya warned that ongoing Israeli violations threaten the ceasefire’s viability. He urged the United States to hold Israel accountable. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Raed Saad’s killing, accusing Hamas of attempting to rearm.
In other related news also read Overnight Strikes Shatter Gaza Ceasefire Once More
The second phase of the US-backed ceasefire aims for Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and deployment of an international force. The first phase focused on prisoner exchanges and returning Palestinian bodies, many showing signs of torture or execution.
