Qatar Warns Gaza Ceasefire ‘Impossible’ Without Full Israeli Withdrawal

Negotiations to solidify the truce in the Gaza Strip have entered what Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al‑Thani calls a “critical moment”. Speaking at the Doha Forum on Saturday, the Qatari prime minister stressed that the current lull in fighting which began on October 10  should not yet be called a full ceasefire. 

He urged all parties to push toward the next phase of the peace plan, which requires a full withdrawal of Israeli troops, restoration of civilian freedom of movement, and the establishment of stability in Gaza. “What we have just done is a pause,” he said. “A ceasefire cannot be completed unless there is a full withdrawal… and stability back in Gaza.” 

The truce brokered by the United States and mediated by Qatar, Egypt and other regional players has already facilitated hostage-prisoner exchanges, including the release of dozens on both sides. Still, Israel’s military presence remains, and sporadic attacks continue to be reported. According to Palestinian health officials, at least seven Palestinians were killed in Gaza on Saturday alone. 

As discussions move into the next stage, the biggest obstacles remain agreement on a security force’s composition, disarmament procedures, and a transitional civil administration, all prerequisites for a lasting peace.