Qatar pushes for urgent transition to second phase of Gaza ceasefire

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (YPA) – Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani warned that Israel’s ongoing violations of the Gaza ceasefire pose a real threat to the agreement and embarrass mediators, stressing that the current situation risks the collapse of understandings day by day.

Speaking in Washington and to Congress, he stressed the urgent need for unconditional humanitarian aid to Gaza, noting that the humanitarian situation dominated discussions with US officials.

He also highlighted that continued Israeli strikes and targeted killings undermine the ceasefire and hinder progress to the next phase of the agreement.

Sheikh Mohammed revealed an agreement with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to intensify efforts toward the second phase, with a mediators’ meeting planned Friday to outline the transition.

He emphasized the need to quickly form a civil Palestinian administration in Gaza to stabilize the situation and prevent a post-war administrative vacuum. On the proposed stabilization force, he stressed it must remain neutral and solely protect the ceasefire.

He concluded by reaffirming Qatar’s commitment to working with the US to safeguard the ceasefire, ensure a smooth transition to the next phase, alleviate human suffering, and prevent renewed escalation.

@E.Y.M