Egypt and Qatar have pledged to prevent forced displacement
of Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict and are intensifying efforts to mediate
a 60-day ceasefire, including a prisoner exchange and humanitarian aid flow.
Despite Hamas accepting the ceasefire proposal, Israel’s endorsement remains
uncertain, prolonging the humanitarian crisis.
Renewed Ceasefire Push by Egypt, Qatar, and the US
As reported by Dalila Mahdawi of Le Monde, Egypt announced on 12 August 2025 its joint efforts with Qatar and the United States to broker a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza aimed at ending the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stated at a Cairo press conference,
“We are working very hard now in full cooperation with the Qataris and Americans. The main objective is to go back to the original proposal – to have a ceasefire for 60 days, with the release of some hostages and some Palestinian detainees, and the flow of humanitarian and medical assistance to Gaza without restrictions, without conditions.”
Abdelatty confirmed ongoing talks with both
Hamas and Israel, pushing for a deal based on a recent U.S. plan.
Despite intense negotiations in Doha during July, talks
broke down due to disagreements, particularly around the terms of a prisoner
exchange and ceasefire conditions. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff blamed
Hamas for the collapse and indicated consideration of alternative options.
Hamas Accepts New Ceasefire Proposal
According to Raja Abdul-Rahman of The New York Times, Hamas
accepted this new ceasefire initiative put forward by Qatar and Egypt in
mid-August. The proposal includes the release of Israeli captives in exchange
for Palestinian detainees and involves Israeli troop repositioning within Gaza
to allow humanitarian aid access. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has not publicly endorsed the plan.
Hamas confirmed through a statement that it, alongside other
Palestinian factions, agreed to the ceasefire proposal presented by mediators
from Egypt and Qatar. Diplomatic sources say the deal reflects earlier
compromises but passes a critical step towards de-escalating the conflict.
Egypt and Qatar's Political Commitment Against Forced Displacement
The Associated Press reported on 27 August 2025 that Egypt
and Qatar vowed specifically to block any forced displacement of Palestinians
as the conflict continues. The statement came from high-level officials during
coordinated efforts to stabilise Gaza, emphasising the humanitarian imperative
to avoid mass displacement and starvation of the civilian population.
A joint statement issued at the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee led by Egypt and Qatar, with support from multiple Arab and Islamic states, condemned Israel's announced military plan to impose full control over Gaza. The statement called it
“a dangerous and unacceptable escalation”
and
“a flagrant violation of international law.”
It demanded an immediate cessation of
Israeli aggression and unrestricted humanitarian access.
Humanitarian Crisis and Reconstruction Efforts
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, during a visit to
the Rafah crossing, emphasised the dire conditions facing over two million Gaza
residents, urging for urgent humanitarian relief and an end to aggression.
Abdelatty described the situation as “unimaginable” and reiterated the
determination to push for ceasefire and reconstruction.
The joint ministerial committee also recognised the
necessity of starting the Arab-Islamic reconstruction plan for Gaza and called
for active participation at the upcoming reconstruction conference in Cairo,
highlighting preservation of Palestinian lands and holy sites.
Suspensions and Challenges in Negotiations
As reported by CNN, ceasefire negotiations have faced
repeated suspensions and challenges, with Israeli security decisions continuing
to escalate military operations in Gaza City. The proposal accepted by Hamas
closely follows previous ceasefire frameworks but struggles due to Israeli
insistence on full disarmament of Hamas and release of all hostages, terms that
remain non-negotiable for the militant group as of late August.
U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu have taken firm stances reflecting maximalist positions,
complicating efforts for a comprehensive deal. Netanyahu acknowledged Hamas is
under significant pressure but did not confirm willingness to accept the latest
proposal.
International Support and Ongoing Talks
European Union humanitarian officials expressed gratitude
for the efforts of Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. to achieve a ceasefire and push
forward peace initiatives. They stressed the urgency of halting starvation and
ensuring protection of humanitarian space in Gaza, warning against
politicisation of aid.
Recent meetings between Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed binrahman-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reaffirmed opposition to the reoccupation of Gaza and any forced displacement of Palestinians. The leaders highlighted the necessity of all efforts to finalise a ceasefire agreement to prevent further deterioration of regional stability and humanitarian conditions.
Egypt and Qatar have emerged as pivotal mediators in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict by pushing for a 60-day ceasefire, advocating for prisoner exchanges, and stressing the prevention of forced Palestinian displacement. Though Hamas has accepted the latest ceasefire proposal, Israel’s hesitance under Prime Minister Netanyahu's government continues to stall an agreement, leaving Gaza’s humanitarian crisis unresolved and at risk of worsening. The international community remains focused on diplomatic engagement, humanitarian aid, and rebuilding efforts, underscoring the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire to end the conflict's devastating impact on civilians in Gaza.