Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has warned that ongoing Israeli violations of the Gaza ceasefire are endangering the entire peace process, urging immediate progress toward the second phase of the truce. The remarks came following high-level talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, highlighting the fragile state of the US-backed ceasefire and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza caused by winter storms.

Israeli Ceasefire Violations Threaten Peace

Since the ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2025, Israel has violated the agreement at least 738 times, resulting in the deaths of 394 Palestinians and injuries to 1,075 others, according to Al Jazeera tracking. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that repeated breaches of the truce “endanger the entire process and place mediators in a difficult position,” calling for urgent action to prevent further escalation.

The Qatari premier stressed that humanitarian aid must reach Gaza unconditionally, and that the next phase of the ceasefire must begin immediately to stabilize the situation.

Talks Focus on Three Critical Issues

Al Jazeera’s US correspondent Alan Fisher reported that discussions between Qatar and the US centered on three major issues:

1. Stopping Israeli ceasefire violations, most of which have been carried out by Israeli forces.
2. Formation of an international stabilization force (ISF), expected to include troops from Indonesia and Turkey, although Israel has objected to Turkish involvement.
3. Addressing Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis, with Qatar urging Washington to pressure Israel to allow essential aid into the enclave.

The ceasefire came under renewed strain over the weekend when Israel assassinated senior Hamas commander Raed Saad in Gaza City. The White House reportedly issued a sharp rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, warning him not to undermine the deal brokered by former President Donald Trump.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens Amid Winter Storms

Gaza faces a mounting humanitarian emergency as winter storms batter the territory. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are forced to shelter in flimsy tents or damaged buildings. Aid deliveries remain severely restricted, with only 39 percent of allocated trucks reaching their destinations. Israel has blocked essential winter supplies such as tents, blankets, and nutritious food, while allowing non-essential items to enter.

The severe conditions have already claimed the lives of infants, including 29-day-old Said Asad Abedin and two-week-old Mohammed Khalil Abu al-Khair, both victims of extreme hypothermia. Roughly 30,000 children have been affected by storm damage to their shelters, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

Gaza’s Leadership Urges Compliance

Hamas’s Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya warned that continued Israeli violations “threaten the viability of the agreement” and called on Trump to ensure Israel honors its commitments. Meanwhile, Netanyahu defended the assassination of Saad, accusing Hamas of attempting to rearm and violating the peace plan.

The second phase of the US-backed ceasefire envisions Hamas disarming, Israeli forces withdrawing, and deployment of an international stabilization force—steps that have proved more contentious than the first phase, which primarily focused on prisoner and captive exchanges.

Netanyahu has stated that Israel is “nearing the end of the first phase” of the ceasefire and is working to secure the return of the remains of Master Sergeant Ran Gvili, the last deceased captive held in Gaza. Hundreds of Palestinian prisoners’ bodies have been returned by Israel, many showing signs of torture, mutilation, and execution.

Conclusion

Qatar’s prime minister’s urgent call highlights the fragile nature of the Gaza ceasefire, compounded by winter humanitarian crises and repeated violations by Israel. With international mediators pressing for compliance and the second phase of the truce pending, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether the fragile agreement can survive amid rising tensions and humanitarian suffering.