Baghdad: Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt, in a joint statement, condemned the ongoing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, particularly the targeting of health facilities and medical infrastructure. According to National Iraqi News Agency, the statement was issued last night by the three countries acting as mediators, highlighting that these violations have resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, constituting a breach of international law and international humanitarian law.
The mediators emphasized that despite the acceptance of the Gaza Roadmap by Hamas and other Palestinian factions, particularly the disarmament clause, the continuation of Israeli violations thwarts the implementation of its second phase. They urged Israel to adhere to its international obligations and fully implement the ceasefire agreement, warning that ongoing violations jeopardize de-escalation efforts and worsen civilian suffering in Gaza.
The joint statement called on the international community to protect civilians, health facilities, and humanitarian personnel, ensuring the continuous and unconditional flow of humanitarian aid and medical supplies throughout Gaza. The countries urged for international pressure on Israel to meet its obligations under international law and the ceasefire agreement.
The statement referred to the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, labeling the second phase roadmap agreement as "historic." Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt stressed the importance of safeguarding efforts towards a permanent ceasefire and sustainable de-escalation to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
The "Peace Council," led by US President Donald Trump, announced that Hamas had agreed to a roadmap for the next phase of the ceasefire agreement, which includes an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas's disarmament. However, Hamas has stated that halting Israeli military actions is crucial for the agreement's progress.
On Sunday, Israel reportedly informed the "Peace Council" of its rejection of three clauses in the roadmap, concerning the handling of weapons collected from Hamas, the participation of Qatar and Turkey in implementation verification, and restrictions on the Israeli army's operations in areas to be managed by an international stabilization force.
The agreement, based on Trump's 20-point plan, aims to end the Israeli war on Gaza, involving prisoner releases, phased Israeli withdrawal, formation of a technocratic administration, and deployment of an international stabilization force. Palestinians, however, argue that the ceasefire agreement has become an "illusion," citing continued Israeli aggression and limited aid access as exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The agreement follows a devastating war in Gaza launched by Israel on October 8, 2013, resulting in over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, mostly women and children, and widespread destruction of infrastructure.