The spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al-Ansari, explained that the mediation efforts led by Doha with its partners are ongoing, aiming to turn the truce into a real opportunity to progress towards the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. He added that there is no new information so far regarding the start of the second phase, but he emphasized that Qatar hopes to move to these talks very soon, affirming Doha’s confidence in President Trump’s plan and the American support for the truce and international mediators’ efforts.
He pointed out that the current truce is the longest since the beginning of the war in Gaza, considering that any breach—even a minor one—poses a threat to it and leads to the disruption of some agreement clauses or causes transgressions beyond the yellow line within the sector. The spokesperson revealed that one captive’s body has not yet been handed over to Israel, clarifying that finding the bodies under the extremely difficult logistical situation inside Gaza is challenging, yet what has been achieved so far is a significant accomplishment.
Last month, the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution allowing the establishment of an international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip. Thirteen council members voted in favor of the decision, while two, Russia and China, abstained from voting. According to the resolution, Israeli forces will withdraw as soon as the Israeli security force assumes full control. The transitional “Peace Council,” chaired by U.S. President Donald Trump, will coordinate security, humanitarian efforts, and reconstruction, directing Gaza towards a reformed Palestinian authority.
The resolution stipulates the establishment of an international stabilization force, working with Israel and Egypt under an initial two-year mandate, to secure Gaza’s borders, protect civilians, deliver humanitarian aid, train a restructured Palestinian police force, and oversee the disarmament of Hamas and other armed groups.
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and the movement in the Gaza Strip came into effect on October 10. Under this agreement, Hamas released 20 prisoners who had been held in Gaza since October 7, 2023, thereby freeing all remaining hostages. In response, Israel released around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences.
