Qatar Accuses Israel of Obstructing Trump-Backed Gaza Peace Plan

The Government of Qatar, alongside mediators from Egypt and Türkiye, has accused Israel of obstructing a US-backed peace plan for the Gaza Strip. The three nations issued a joint statement condemning Israeli strikes on healthcare facilities, residential buildings, and displaced persons' tents, characterizing the attacks as a flagrant violation of international law that undermines the ceasefire's second phase. This follows a report from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that Israel is also escalating settlement violence in the West Bank and Jerusalem.

The peace roadmap, overseen by President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, requires the disarmament of Hamas in exchange for a phased Israeli military withdrawal. While Qatari officials state that Hamas has committed to all obligations under the roadmap, tensions escalated after a meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Board of Peace officials. The Board clarified that Israeli forces will only withdraw beyond the "Yellow Line" once Hamas decommissioning is complete. This position contradicts previous guidance from high representative Nickolay Mladenov, who suggested that withdrawal and decommissioning should move in lockstep.

Hamas has expressed unease over this shift, arguing it ignores Israeli obligations regarding military aggression and humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, the Government of Qatar has called on the international community to pressure Israel to fulfill its commitments, asserting that the full responsibility for the deadlock lies with the Israeli side.