Qatar and Egypt Urge Full Israeli Pullback, Push for International Stabilisation Force in Gaza

Qatar and Egypt Call For Israeli Withdrawal And Rapid Deployment Of International Force

Qatar and Egypt — two of the guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire — said on Saturday that the next essential steps to fully implement the fragile truce are a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the swift deployment of an international stabilisation force.

The measures are drawn from a US- and UN-backed peace plan that largely halted fighting in the Palestinian territory after coming into effect on October 10. While the plan’s first phase saw Israeli troops pull back behind a so-called "yellow line" and Hamas release remaining living hostages and most of the deceased, the parties have not agreed how to proceed to the next phase.

"Now we are at the critical moment... A ceasefire cannot be completed unless there is a full withdrawal of the Israeli forces, (and) there is stability back in Gaza," Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said at the Doha Forum.

Under the envisaged second phase, Israel would withdraw from positions across the territory, an interim authority would assume governance, and an international stabilisation force would be deployed to monitor and maintain security. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged that the force be sent "as soon as possible," arguing that Israeli actions near the yellow line were undermining the ceasefire.

However, some Arab and Muslim states remain reluctant to take part in a force that could be required to confront Palestinian militants. Turkey, another truce guarantor, has expressed willingness to contribute but its potential role is viewed warily by Israel, which sees Ankara as too close to Hamas. Turkey’s foreign minister, Hakan Fidan, has said the force’s command structure and contributing countries remain under negotiation, and that its primary task should be to separate Israeli and Palestinian forces on the ground.

Reports since the ceasefire took effect have documented deadly incidents in which Israeli forces fired on Palestinians near the yellow line, underscoring the fragility of the pause in hostilities. The broader plan also calls for Hamas to disarm under a 20-point framework first outlined by US President Donald Trump, a provision the militant group has consistently rejected.

Rafah Crossing And Humanitarian Access

The ceasefire blueprint envisages reopening Gaza’s vital Rafah crossing with Egypt to allow aid deliveries. This week Israel announced it would open the checkpoint "exclusively for the exit of residents from the Gaza Strip to Egypt," a proposal Egypt immediately rejected, saying the crossing must be open in both directions. Several Muslim-majority states voiced concern that any exit-only arrangement could amount to forced displacement.

"Rafah is not going to be a gateway for displacement. It’s only for flooding Gaza with humanitarian and medical care," Abdelatty said.

Qatar said guarantor states were coordinating to press the truce into its next phase, while stressing that any interim arrangements would be temporary and part of a wider effort to achieve a lasting and just solution for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Reporting by guarantor officials at the Doha Forum and public statements from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey. csp/smw/dc