Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held a phone call on Sunday to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The two nations called for a clearly defined mandate and powers for a proposed international force to support early recovery and reconstruction in the war-ravaged enclave. They affirmed continued coordination to reinforce the fragile ceasefire and build on the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit.
In the phone call, the two ministers affirmed continued coordination to reinforce the fragile ceasefire that took effect in October and to build on the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit. They also discussed ongoing consultations regarding the U.S. peace initiative. The ministers reiterated their shared stance on preserving the geographic and political unity of the Palestinian territories by maintaining the connection between the West Bank and Gaza, emphasizing the need for Palestinians to manage their own affairs. They renewed their rejection of Israeli settlement expansion and escalating Israeli violations in the West Bank, warning that such actions undermine prospects for peace.
In Gaza, humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate despite the ceasefire. The World Health Organization said around 16,500 patients are waiting for evacuation for treatment abroad, while medical supplies remain stalled at border crossings. Egypt has received roughly 4,000 patients through the Rafah crossing before its closure, the WHO added. Israel has controlled the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing since May 2024, demolishing facilities and halting civilian movement—worsening the humanitarian situation, particularly for the sick and wounded.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 69,176 people have been killed and 170,690 wounded since Israel launched its military campaign on October 7, 2023. It reported 241 deaths and 619 injuries since the ceasefire began, accusing Israel of repeated violations. Gaza’s municipality warned of a looming disaster as the rainy season begins, citing severe infrastructure damage and mass displacement. Local officials said Israel continues to block over 350 essential food items, allowing only 4,453 aid and commercial trucks to enter out of 15,600 expected since the truce.
The Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said its fighters in Rafah would not surrender and held Israel responsible for any renewed escalation. The group said it had complied with ceasefire terms, including the recovery and transfer of bodies, but noted that completing the process required additional equipment and technical support. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters that no Turkish troops would participate in any multinational force deployed in Gaza to replace Israeli forces.