Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey on Monday sharply criticized Israel over continued IDF strikes against Hamas terrorists in Gaza, claiming the operations jeopardize the current ceasefire and threaten efforts to advance the next phase of President Donald Trump’s peace initiative.

In a joint statement, the three mediating nations accused Israel of escalating tensions through what they described as “the ongoing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip.” They further alleged that Israel was responsible for “particularly the targeting of healthcare facilities and medical infrastructure, and the resulting civilian casualties, including women and children, which constitute a flagrant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.”

The three countries also argued that Israel must adhere to both international law and the ceasefire commitments already in place. “The mediators stress the need for Israel to comply with all of its obligations under international law and to fully uphold its commitments under the ceasefire agreement, affirming that the continuation of these violations constitutes a breach of the agreement and undermines the efforts aimed at implementing its second phase, particularly following Hamas and the Palestinian factions’ announcement of their acceptance of the roadmap, especially the provision concerning the confinement of weapons,” the statement read, adding that “these violations threaten the path toward de-escalation and exacerbate the suffering of civilians in the Gaza Strip.”

The mediators also called on the international community to increase pressure on Israel. They urged world powers “to assume its responsibilities and exert the necessary pressure on Israel to fulfill its obligations under international law and the ceasefire agreement, in a manner that ensures the completion of President Trump’s peace plan”.

The statement concluded by stressing “the need to prevent any undermining of the efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable de-escalation, leading to a permanent ceasefire and an end to the humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.”

The diplomatic criticism came shortly after senior Israeli officials met with representatives of the Board of Peace for extensive discussions on implementing the next stage of the Gaza framework. According to the board, the talks focused on dismantling Hamas’ terrorist infrastructure, transitioning Gaza to civilian administration, and creating long-term security for both Israeli citizens and Gaza’s Arab population.

Following the meeting, the Board of Peace described the discussions as productive and said all sides remain committed to the same ultimate objective.

“The goal is clear and is not in question: the complete decommissioning of weapons in the Strip and the transition away from rule by the gun to civilian governance. Reaching it will be a process. And that process will be set out in the next phase of the work,” the board stated.

The board also sought to clarify reports regarding a future Israeli military withdrawal, stating, “Contrary to inaccurate reports, we note that the withdrawal of the IDF beyond the Yellow Line will take place only once decommissioning is complete, as Hamas committed to the mediators. This applies to light weapons, heavy weapons, and the tunnels alike.”

According to the framework, supervision of Hamas’ disarmament would be carried out by the International Stabilization Force together with the Implementation Verification Committee, whose members include representatives from the United States and the Board of Peace.

Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued carrying out counterterrorism operations across Gaza. In recent days, the IDF announced that it eliminated several senior Hamas terrorists who were involved in the Oct. 7, 2023, massacre and in holding Israeli hostages.

Those operations have coincided with the broader U.S.-backed initiative unveiled by President Trump, which seeks the complete disarmament of Hamas and all other terrorist organizations operating in Gaza.

Speaking on Friday, Trump expressed optimism that the initiative has Israel’s full support, saying, “Israel is very happy about it. Israel helped us, and they’ve been very good”.

He added, “Most people said that would be a deal that would be undoable. Will it go through its ups and downs? It’s a very complex situation over there… But it’s a great breakthrough. Nobody’s ever thought that it would be possible to disarm Hamas.”

{Matzav.com}