US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey Call for Restraint Amid Ongoing Israeli Assaults in Gaza
In a significant diplomatic effort, the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye convened recently to discuss the ongoing Gaza ceasefire, highlighting key steps taken toward peace and humanitarian relief in the region. As the first phase of the truce unfolds, there is cautious optimism among the mediating nations regarding the progress achieved and a shared commitment to resolving the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye have called on all parties involved in the Gaza ceasefire to uphold their commitments and demonstrate restraint, as emphasized by the chief U.S. envoy following discussions in Miami. Senior officials from these four mediator countries met with Steve Witkoff, special envoy to former President Donald Trump, on Friday to assess the initial phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which commenced on October 10. The gathering occurred amid ongoing Israeli actions within the enclave, underscoring the volatile situation on the ground.
In a tragic incident on Friday, six individuals lost their lives when an Israeli strike targeted a school sheltering displaced persons. This incident has brought the number of Palestinians reportedly killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began to approximately 400. In light of these developments, Witkoff reaffirmed the commitment to President Trump’s 20-point peace plan, urging all parties to abide by their obligations, exercise restraint, and cooperate with monitoring arrangements.
The joint statement issued on Saturday noted the accomplishments of the initial stage of the truce, including expanded humanitarian assistance, the return of captives’ bodies, partial withdrawals of forces from hostilities, and a reduction in violence. It emphasized the need to prioritize the establishment and operationalization of a transitional administration in the second phase of the agreement, with further consultations planned in the coming weeks.
As part of the ceasefire terms, Israel is expected to withdraw from its positions in Gaza, allowing for the establishment of an interim authority to govern the Palestinian territory rather than Hamas. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed a desire for international contributions to support a stabilization force; however, he cautioned that disarmament of Hamas is essential for the process to succeed.
Amid these discussions, Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, held a meeting with Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin in Istanbul. Following the talks, Hamas reiterated its commitment to the ceasefire agreement despite ongoing Israeli violations. The group called for an immediate cessation of violations and highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza as winter approaches, stressing the urgent need for aid such as tents and caravans to prevent further suffering among displaced populations.
Winter storms have exacerbated the dire circumstances for hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, as aid organizations report that Israeli restrictions are hindering essential assistance from reaching those in need.
On Saturday, an Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza targeted two individuals deemed a threat to Israeli troops, although details on the outcome remain unclear. Additionally, Gaza’s Civil Defence reported recovering the remains of 94 Palestinians from the rubble, with more believed to be trapped beneath the debris from recent destruction.
Since October 2023, Israeli military actions have claimed the lives of over 70,700 people in Gaza, with a significant number of victims being women and children. This tragic toll highlights the urgent need for continued diplomatic efforts and humanitarian interventions in the region.
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