Qatar has formally accused Israel of delaying the implementation of a U.S.-backed peace plan for the Gaza Strip, asserting that the Israeli government bears full responsibility for the current impasse. The statement, delivered by Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari on Tuesday, comes as mediators struggle to advance the second phase of the roadmap, which aims to transition Gaza toward civilian governance and long-term stability. Qatar, which has served as a key mediator alongside Egypt and Turkey, maintains that Hamas has fulfilled its required obligations under the agreement, while Israel continues to stall on its own commitments, particularly regarding troop withdrawals.
The peace plan, initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, seeks to demilitarize the territory and replace Hamas's control with a technocratic administration. While the first phase of the agreement—which included a ceasefire and the return of hostages—was largely completed earlier this year, the transition to the second phase has faced significant friction. Recent escalations, including intensified Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, have been described by Qatari officials as deliberate attempts to derail the peace process and block a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
For the international community, the standoff highlights the fragility of the current ceasefire. While the Board of Peace, a multilateral body overseeing the transition, has held constructive discussions with Israeli leadership, the practical reality on the ground remains volatile. Palestinian officials have echoed Qatar’s concerns, warning that the agreement risks becoming a document in name only if military operations continue to undermine the political framework. As the situation develops, the primary challenge remains reconciling the security requirements demanded by Israel with the broader goals of reconstruction and political transition in Gaza.