Mediators Warn Gaza Ceasefire Is “At a Critical Moment,” Urge Action as Violations Rise

Mediators from Qatar and Turkey have sounded the alarm that the current ceasefire in Gaza is at a “critical moment” and risks collapsing — as sporadic violence and continued military presence threaten to unravel the fragile truce.

According to statements from Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al‑Thani, Qatar’s prime minister, what is taking place in Gaza is not yet a real ceasefire but a temporary “pause.” He emphasised that lasting peace depends on a full withdrawal of Israeli forces, restoration of stability and freedom of movement for Palestinians-conditions that have so far not been met.

Meanwhile, Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s foreign minister, warned that failure to establish clear mechanisms for Gaza’s governance, including a new civil administration and a credible, non-Hamas police force, would make disarmament demands and long-term stability impossible. He called the lack of progress on these core issues a major risk to the entire ceasefire framework.

Despite the truce that began in October 2025 under a U.S.-brokered agreement, violence has continued. Humanitarian sources report that since the ceasefire took effect, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed in separate incidents, underlining how fragile the pause remains.

Diplomatic efforts are now focused on fast-tracking the next phase of the ceasefire plan, which includes the release of the final hostages, the reopening of Gaza’s border crossing at Rafah, the deployment of an international stabilisation force, and the creation of a technocratic Gaza government.

But negotiations on these items are bogged down by disagreements over the composition and mandate of the international force, the timetable for Israel’s troop withdrawal, and how to ensure effective law enforcement without rewarding ongoing violence.

For many Palestinians, the ceasefire has so far brought limited relief: access to essential services remains disrupted, displaced families remain in temporary shelters, and fear persists that a single new strike or missed negotiation deadline could re-ignite full-scale fighting.

Humanitarian groups warn that without swift and concrete steps toward disarmament, reconstruction, and security reform, the temporary pause could collapse, returning Gaza to open conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera · Reuters · Associated Press · Middle East Eye