Egypt and Qatar Collaborate on Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

Egypt and Qatar, with U.S. involvement, aim to negotiate the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Dr. Badr Abdel Aati noted the obligations of both sides, particularly Israel, in fulfilling the agreement. The Egyptian minister acknowledged progress in hostages’ releases while emphasizing the need for ongoing efforts to ensure humanitarian aid and a complete Israeli withdrawal. The recent Arab Summit highlighted these priorities as critical to achieving lasting peace.

Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, asserted that Egypt and Qatar bear a joint responsibility, alongside the United States, to continue exerting pressure for negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. He stated that the combined efforts of both nations led to a ceasefire agreement earlier this year, which consists of three stages, with the first stage already enacted. However, he noted that one party appears to be shirking its commitments.

Dr. Abdel Aati emphasized that both sides must adhere to their obligations under the ceasefire agreement, particularly the Israeli side, to ensure the completion of all three phases. He reiterated the necessity of all parties fulfilling their responsibilities to advance the agreement. Furthermore, he mentioned the need for immediate negotiations for the next steps in the ceasefire process, and he reflected on the role that the Trump administration played in facilitating the initial agreement even prior to taking office.

The Egyptian minister highlighted successful hostage releases as a positive development but underscored the ongoing necessity of progressing through the second and third stages of the agreement to achieve comprehensive resolutions. He asserted that Israel must fulfill its commitments, which include providing humanitarian, medical, and shelter aid, and releasing a predetermined number of Palestinian prisoners.

The recent Arab Summit, held in Cairo, reiterated the critical importance of advancing to the second and third stages of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The summit’s concluding statement underscored the necessity for all parties, especially Israel, to adhere to their promises, thereby fostering a lasting cessation of hostilities against Gaza and enabling a complete Israeli withdrawal from the region.

In summary, the commitment of Egypt and Qatar, along with the United States, is pivotal in advancing the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. Dr. Badr Abdel Aati highlighted the achieved milestones and stressed the need for all parties, particularly Israel, to fulfill their obligations under this agreement. The Arab Summit reinforced the urgency of implementing the subsequent stages of the ceasefire to ensure a sustainable resolution and the cessation of conflict in Gaza.

Original Source: www.gulf-times.com