Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye Condemn Escalating Israeli Strikes in Gaza Amid Stalled Truce Efforts

Mediating nations Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye have issued a joint condemnation of recent Israeli military attacks in Gaza that resulted in civilian casualties, including women and children, expressing deep concern over ongoing truce violations.

In an official statement released on Thursday, the mediators emphasized that these strikes actively undermine regional and international diplomatic efforts to implement a comprehensive plan aimed at ending the conflict. This includes discussions previously held between the Board of Peace and Israeli officials.

“The mediating countries stress the imperative for Israel to fully comply with all its obligations under the ceasefire agreement and to refrain from actions that could further undermine the ceasefire and escalate tensions,” the joint statement declared.

The condemnation follows an Israeli strike on Tuesday that claimed the lives of at least six individuals in Gaza City. Palestinian reports indicated that fourteen others sustained injuries when the strike impacted a crowded cafe located in the city’s port, an area that has been converted into a displacement camp.

This latest escalation coincides with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s continued rejection of a United States-backed initiative to end the war in the besieged enclave. Following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, U.S. envoy and Jared Kushner stated that the U.S. would not restrict Israel’s ability to defend itself. Jared Kushner added that if Hamas fails to disarm within the next 60 to 90 days, it would demonstrate a lack of genuine commitment to peace, thereby providing Israel with backing to conclude military operations.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains his stance that the military will not withdraw from Gaza unless Hamas disarms first, stating that troops will remain until that objective is achieved. Furthermore, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted, “As long as I am prime minister, no Palestinian state will be established — not in Gaza and not in the West Bank.” In response, Hamas maintains that it will only surrender its weapons after Israeli soldiers withdraw from the territory.

In light of these developments, the mediating nations have called upon the international community and the Peace Council, led by President Trump, to guarantee adherence to the ceasefire pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 2803 and to avert further escalation.

Data from Gaza’s Health Ministry indicates that at least 73,417 Palestinians have been killed and 174,360 others injured since the conflict began in October 2023.