Qatar and U.S. Prepare for Next Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement and Upcoming Mediators' Meeting
Sheikh Mohammed stated that the meeting, scheduled for next Friday, will focus on transitioning to the second phase of the agreement that took effect on October 10. He emphasized the urgent need to establish a civilian Palestinian administration in Gaza and highlighted the importance of a neutral stability force to uphold the agreement without bias towards any party, noting that key elements of the agreement remain incomplete.
The Qatari Prime Minister pointed out that ongoing Israeli violations pose a threat to the stability of the agreement, stressing the necessity of safeguarding the ceasefire and facilitating the unconditional entry of humanitarian aid into the region to maintain ongoing peace.
Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department commended Qatar's role in supporting American objectives in the Middle East and Africa, reaffirming the strategic partnership between the two nations and their close cooperation in economic and security matters. During the meeting, Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed the commitment of the United States and Qatar to enhance their strategic dialogue, which began during its seventh session in Washington.
This development comes as part of the second phase of the agreement, which, according to President Donald Trump's 20-point plan, includes the release of all Israeli prisoners held by Hamas, the establishment of a peace council with an executive arm and an international stability force, the withdrawal of Israeli troops to a designated line, the disarmament of Gaza, the destruction of tunnels, and the formation of a technocratic Palestinian government.
Sheikh Mohammed also addressed the Syrian issue in his statements, expressing Qatar's support for the unity of Syrian territories and advocating for the lifting of sanctions against Damascus to help bolster its economy, following the U.S. Senate's vote today in favor of repealing sanctions under the Caesar Act regarding Syria, after the President's decision last June to end certain economic sanctions.
