Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has urged all sides to seize what he described as a rare “momentum” to halt the war in Gaza, warning that opportunities to end the conflict are fast slipping away. A new 20-point ceasefire framework, backed by Washington and accepted by Israel, has been presented to Hamas for review.
The plan seeks to end hostilities, prevent mass displacement, and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave. Sheikh Mohammed acknowledged that the agreement faces “practical challenges,” but emphasized that the immediate priority must be protecting civilians and restoring governance to the Palestinian people themselves.
Under the proposal, Israeli captives would be released within 72 hours of approval, followed by Israel’s freeing of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Hamas would relinquish power and demilitarize in exchange for amnesty, while an interim Palestinian technocratic committee assumes responsibility for administration. An international force would oversee security and train local police. Despite broad regional backing from countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye, significant uncertainties remain. The deal allows Israel to retain a “security perimeter” until the territory is deemed stable, a vague provision that critics warn could undermine Palestinian sovereignty. Sheikh Mohammed said clarifying these details will require both direct negotiations and a binding international framework at the UN Security Council.
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Reactions have underscored the fragile balance between urgency and mistrust. Hamas has yet to issue a formal response, though mediators say the group has promised to study the plan seriously. U.S. officials have given the movement only days to decide, framing the deal as an ultimatum rather than an offer.
Analysts argue the framework provides sweeping guarantees to Israel but little long-term security or statehood prospects for Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue their offensive in Gaza City, targeting what they describe as Hamas’s remaining strongholds. For civilians enduring bombardment, the ceasefire plan represents both a glimmer of hope and a reminder of how often peace has been promised—only to collapse under the weight of mistrust and unresolved grievances.
