Qatari and Egyptian officials have urged Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of an international stabilisation force as crucial steps towards fully implementing a fragile Gaza ceasefire deal. The US-backed plan, which has largely halted fighting in the region, calls for Israel to withdraw behind a "yellow line" within Gaza's borders and for the Palestinian militant group Hamas to release living hostages and hand over the remains of deceased militants.
However, sticking points remain over the implementation of the second phase, including Hamas's disarmament. The group, which has repeatedly rejected disarmament under a 20-point plan first outlined by former US President Donald Trump, has said it is willing to hand over its weapons in Gaza on condition that Israel ends its occupation.
"We need to deploy this force as soon as possible on the ground because one party, which is Israel, is every day violating the ceasefire," Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said at a diplomatic conference. Arab and Muslim nations have been hesitant to participate in the new force, which could end up fighting Palestinian militants.
Turkey's foreign minister Hakan Fidan also called for the deployment of an international stabilisation force, saying its first goal should be to separate Palestinians from Israelis. However, Turkey's efforts to join the force are viewed unfavourably in Israel.
The Egyptian and Qatari officials met on Saturday to discuss the implementation of the peace agreement, with both stressing the importance of continuing efforts to move forward. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Qatari premier, said "now we are at the critical moment" for implementing the deal.
A key sticking point is the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt, which Israel has announced will be opened only for residents to exit the Gaza Strip. Egyptian officials have swiftly denied agreeing to such a move, insisting it should be opened both ways.
The ceasefire plan calls for a "lasting solution that provides justice for both people", according to Sheikh Mohammed. However, deadly incidents of Israeli forces firing on Palestinians in the vicinity of the yellow line since the ceasefire went into effect remain a major concern.
As negotiations continue over the implementation of the peace agreement, officials are under pressure to ensure its success, with some warning that failure could lead to further violence and instability in the region.
However, sticking points remain over the implementation of the second phase, including Hamas's disarmament. The group, which has repeatedly rejected disarmament under a 20-point plan first outlined by former US President Donald Trump, has said it is willing to hand over its weapons in Gaza on condition that Israel ends its occupation.
"We need to deploy this force as soon as possible on the ground because one party, which is Israel, is every day violating the ceasefire," Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said at a diplomatic conference. Arab and Muslim nations have been hesitant to participate in the new force, which could end up fighting Palestinian militants.
Turkey's foreign minister Hakan Fidan also called for the deployment of an international stabilisation force, saying its first goal should be to separate Palestinians from Israelis. However, Turkey's efforts to join the force are viewed unfavourably in Israel.
The Egyptian and Qatari officials met on Saturday to discuss the implementation of the peace agreement, with both stressing the importance of continuing efforts to move forward. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Qatari premier, said "now we are at the critical moment" for implementing the deal.
A key sticking point is the reopening of Gaza's Rafah crossing on the border with Egypt, which Israel has announced will be opened only for residents to exit the Gaza Strip. Egyptian officials have swiftly denied agreeing to such a move, insisting it should be opened both ways.
The ceasefire plan calls for a "lasting solution that provides justice for both people", according to Sheikh Mohammed. However, deadly incidents of Israeli forces firing on Palestinians in the vicinity of the yellow line since the ceasefire went into effect remain a major concern.
As negotiations continue over the implementation of the peace agreement, officials are under pressure to ensure its success, with some warning that failure could lead to further violence and instability in the region.