Egypt and Qatar, the main mediators alongside the United States in securing the Gaza ceasefire, urged the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip and the deployment of an international stabilization force, steps they deem essential amid daily violations and the truce's fragility.
At the Doha Forum, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani described the conflict as reaching a 'critical moment,' stressing that 'a ceasefire cannot be considered complete without a full Israeli withdrawal and the restoration of stability in Gaza.' He warned of escalation if unresolved and stated Qatar would not fund war-induced reconstruction but direct support to the Palestinian people. Al Thani explained Qatar's engagement with Hamas began 13 years ago at the United States' request and was key to the ceasefire and prisoner-release deals. He dismissed accusations of financing Hamas as 'baseless' and noted unethical attacks on mediation efforts, including an Israeli strike on Doha during talks to convince Hamas to accept terms.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty called for the swift deployment of an international stabilization force to ensure truce compliance, noting that 'one party—Israel—is violating the agreement daily.' He emphasized the second phase hinges on Israeli withdrawal and affirmed Egypt would not permit the Rafah crossing for Palestinian displacement, reserving it for humanitarian aid and urgent medical evacuations. Abdelatty added Cairo is discussing reopening the crossing with Israel and stressed the need for a unified Palestinian authority with all weapons under a single legitimate framework to eliminate Israel's security pretexts.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide asserted Gaza's future governance 'must be fully Palestinian' and highlighted unprecedented international support for a Palestinian state. He called the current moment 'difficult but an opportunity to lay the foundations for a lasting solution,' warning of risks from ongoing Israeli operations. Eide confirmed Norway avoids investing in companies exporting weapons to the West Bank and reiterated the occupation is 'illegal in all its forms,' per the International Court of Justice.
Amid the humanitarian crisis, UNRWA's Director of External Relations and Communications said aid flows 'do not meet the level of need,' with severe funding shortages forcing service cutbacks. She reported camps in northern West Bank areas emptied due to forced displacement and over 508 children in Gaza diagnosed with acute malnutrition.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel is 'close to completing the first phase' and anticipates the second phase, focusing on disarming Gaza and Hamas, to be 'more difficult.' He looks forward to discussing next steps with U.S. President Donald Trump, rejected retiring for a pardon, and noted an International Criminal Court decision bars him from visiting Germany.
In a related development, South Africa revoked visa exemptions for Palestinian passport holders after a controversial flight from Israeli airports arrived in Johannesburg carrying 153 Palestinians without official Israeli exit documents, raising suspicions of Israeli involvement in a 'systematic displacement scheme'.