Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey Condemn Israeli Attacks in Gaza
Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey have condemned Israel’s ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip, stating the attacks are hindering ceasefire efforts and threatening the implementation of a peace plan agreed upon by various parties.
In a statement published on platform X on Monday (3/8), the three countries accused Israel of serious violations of international law, particularly through attacks on health facilities, medical infrastructure, and the resulting civilian casualties, including women and children. The statement asserted that Israel’s military actions are jeopardising de-escalation efforts being pursued by mediators.
The joint statement followed an announcement by US President Donald Trump on Friday that the Board of Peace had reached an agreement on the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other armed groups in the Gaza Strip. Trump described the deal as an important step towards establishing a new Palestinian government in Gaza, marking the first time Hamas and other Palestinian factions have agreed to a comprehensive conflict resolution plan.
Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey assessed that the ongoing Israeli military operations could obstruct the implementation of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement being sought. They urged the international community to take more active steps to compel Israel to meet its obligations under international law and the provisions of the ceasefire agreement.
“The mediators stress the need to prevent any undermining of efforts aimed at achieving sustainable de-escalation, leading to a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip,” the statement read. They also called for international pressure on Israel to ensure the peace process, including the plan announced by President Trump, can proceed as hoped.
On the ground, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it had killed Mahmoud Fatair, commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s (PIJ) Central Gaza Brigade. The IDF stated Fatair was involved in the infiltration of Israel during the 7 October attack and the abduction of hostage Rom Braslavski, and was killed in a strike in the Deir al-Balah area over the weekend. The IDF also claimed to have conducted operations in recent weeks against members of Hamas, PIJ, and Jaish al-Islam, including the killing of Alaa Imad Khamis Tarams of Jaish al-Islam in Gaza City and Hassan Ibrahim Shehadeh Qahman of PIJ.