Gaza Ceasefire: Mediators Call for Israeli Withdrawal and International Force

Calls for Next Steps in Gaza Ceasefire

• 🌍 Mediators Qatar and Egypt are urging Israel to withdraw its troops from Gaza as a necessary next step in implementing the ceasefire deal.
• 🕊️ The US- and UN-backed peace plan stipulates that Israeli troops should be replaced by an international peacekeeping force.

Hamas Disarmament Sticking Point

• 🤝 Hamas has stated it will disarm, but only if the Israeli army leaves Gaza.
• 💬 Hamas has indicated for months a willingness to disarm if a pan-Arab or alternate military force enters Gaza, but no such force is currently agreed upon.

Challenges to Moving Forward

• 🗣️ Discussions at the Doha forum involved key stakeholders but lacked the crucial presence of Israel, Hamas, and the United States.
• ⏳ Public pressure in Israel is mounting against moving to phase two of the deal until all Israeli hostages are returned.

German Chancellor's Stance

• 🇩🇪 German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz met with Israeli leadership, reaffirming Germany's support for Israel.
• ⚠️ Mertz has previously criticized Israel's campaign in Gaza and called for the next phase of the ceasefire, emphasizing that Hamas's disarmament would end the war.