Qatar and Egypt urge Gaza ceasefire as Israel plans escalation
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi meets with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Ittihadiya presidential palace in Cairo, Egypt, November 10, 2023. The Egyptian Presidency/Handout via REUTERS
Qatar and Egypt affirmed on May 7th that their mediation efforts in the Gaza conflict are ongoing, emphasising continued coordination with the United States to address the severe humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.
In a joint statement, both nations said their efforts are “ongoing, consistent, and grounded in a unified vision” to bring an end to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Since March, delegations from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been engaged in efforts to broker a new ceasefire, but progress has stalled as both Israel and Hamas remain firm on their demands.
During this period, Israel has blocked the entry of essential supplies—including food, water, shelter materials, and medical aid—into Gaza, where the United Nations reports that the majority of residents depend on humanitarian assistance for survival.
Qatar and Egypt stated they are working in close coordination with “the United States to reach an agreement that will bring an end to the humanitarian tragedy and ensure the protection of civilians”.
The announcement follows Israel’s recent declaration that it will intensify military operations in the Gaza Strip. Sources told The National that Israel is preparing to relocate Gaza’s entire population to a designated “safe zone” in the south, where little to no humanitarian aid will be provided, potentially pressuring Palestinians to leave the enclave.
AFP reported on May 6th that Hamas rejected ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Israel, calling them futile amid what it described as a “hunger war” in Gaza, where famine looms.
“There is no sense in engaging in talks or considering new ceasefire proposals as long as the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip,” senior Hamas official Basem Naim told AFP.
Israel has not formally disclosed its new military strategy, it is widely believed to involve an expanded ground offensive and a prolonged occupation of Gaza. Hamas has warned that such actions would put the lives of Israeli hostages in serious jeopardy.
The proposed plan has drawn concern from several foreign governments and has been rejected by the United Nations and various international NGOs, who have stated they will not participate in or support military operations.
The National/ Qatar News Agency/ AFP/ Maghrebi.org
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