Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani announced on Saturday that talks to strengthen the U.S.-supported truce in Gaza are at a “critical” juncture.
“It’s premature to label it a ceasefire. A true ceasefire requires full Israeli withdrawal, restoration of stability in Gaza, and free movement for its residents—conditions not yet met.”
Al-Thani highlighted Qatar’s pivotal mediation role, stressing ongoing efforts to advance the truce’s next phase, particularly ensuring unimpeded civilian movement in Gaza.
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Since the truce’s implementation on October 10, violence has diminished but not ceased entirely.
Palestinian health officials reported that Israeli fire resulted in seven deaths in Beit Lahiya, Jabalia, and Zeitoun in northern Gaza on Saturday, including a 70-year-old woman killed by a drone strike.
The Israeli military claimed its forces, stationed behind the “yellow line” established by the ceasefire, opened fire on militants crossing the line in two incidents, killing three. They denied knowledge of any drone strike.
Discussions on International Security Force
Talks continue regarding the subsequent steps of U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan to resolve the two-year Gaza conflict. On Thursday, Israeli representatives met with mediators in Cairo to negotiate the return of the last hostage from Gaza, completing the initial phase of Trump’s strategy.
Since the truce’s onset, Hamas has released all 20 surviving hostages and returned 27 bodies in exchange for around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Israel announced it would soon open the Rafah Crossing for exit to Egypt and permit entry into Gaza via Rafah after receiving the last deceased hostage.
Trump’s plan proposes a temporary technocratic Palestinian government in Gaza, supervised by an international “board of peace” with support from a multinational security force, though discussions on its structure and role are challenging.
Despite reduced hostilities, Israel continues to target alleged Hamas infrastructure, with both parties accusing each other of violating the truce.
