Qatar accuses Israel of 'foot-dragging' on Gaza ceasefire deal

Qatar has accused Israel of "foot-dragging" in implementing a US-brokered Gaza peace plan, with the official spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry, Majed al-Ansari, stating that Hamas had achieved a "breakthrough" by agreeing to the deal's terms. Al-Ansari urged the international community to exert pressure on Israel to fulfill its obligations, emphasizing Qatar's continued mediation efforts alongside the United States, Egypt, and Turkey.

During a weekly press briefing, Al-Ansari noted that Israel's rejection of the peace plan represented a continuation of its delays since the outset of reaching a ceasefire. He highlighted that the recent declaration by Hamas had facilitated a breakthrough, placing the responsibility on the Israeli side to meet its commitments. Qatar is working with international partners to ensure the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, based on the plan declared by the US President.

The spokesperson also pointed to the ongoing field escalation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, with increasing casualties and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Qatar supports measures taken by friendly nations and is working with regional partners to formulate a response proportionate to Israel's actions. A joint statement from foreign ministers of several Arab and Muslim nations is expected to outline practical steps in the coming days.

In a separate development, Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani, expressed appreciation for an "apology" and "assurances" received from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a recent Israeli air strike in Doha. The strike, which targeted Hamas leaders, resulted in the death of a Qatari security officer and was described by Qatar as a "criminal assault" and a "blatant violation of all international laws and norms." Netanyahu reportedly regretted the incident and affirmed that Israel would not conduct such a strike again. The conversation occurred shortly before US President Donald Trump announced a new 20-point plan to end the conflict, which Netanyahu and Qatar's leadership have supported.