Qatar’s prime minister issued a stark warning Saturday, declaring that the fragile calm in Gaza “cannot yet be called a cease-fire” as high-stakes negotiations over the U.S.-backed peace plan teeter in a critical phase. Despite a temporary halt to hostilities, Israeli forces have not fully withdrawn, and stability has not returned to the war-torn enclave, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said at a major diplomatic forum in Doha.
The current pause in fighting stems from the October 10 agreement brokered jointly by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt — the first step of a 20-point peace plan crafted by President Donald Trump, intended to end two years of devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. While the truce succeeded in halting active combat, Al Thani insisted it represents “only a break,” not a durable cease-fire.
Second Phase Stalled Over Deep Divisions
Under the plan’s second stage, Israel is expected to withdraw all troops from Gaza, a transitional civil authority would take over governance, and International Stabilization Forces (ISF) would be deployed to secure the area. But talks have stalled on key questions, including who would participate in the ISF, how it would be commanded, and what mandate it would carry.
Turkey’s foreign minister Hakan Fidan said major disagreements persist, with Arab and Muslim nations hesitant to commit troops. He stressed that the ISF’s first mission must be to “separate Palestinians and Israelis” to prevent immediate renewed clashes.
Hamas Rejects Disarmament
Trump’s proposal also calls for Hamas to disarm, allowing militants who surrender weapons to leave Gaza — a condition the group has repeatedly rejected. Their refusal remains one of the biggest obstacles to implementing a permanent settlement.
A Push for a Lasting Solution
Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and the U.S. are now jointly pushing for progress on phase two. But Al Thani cautioned that even this step would be temporary unless negotiators pursue a “permanent solution that delivers justice for both peoples.”
As negotiations drag on, diplomats fear that without swift breakthroughs, Gaza could slide back into open conflict — making today’s “pause” a fleeting moment in a much larger crisis.