Doha, Qatar – On Friday, October 10, 2025, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani reaffirmed his country’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people through humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts. His statement coincided with the implementation of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which took effect at 12 noon local time (0900 GMT). The ceasefire, brokered through mediation efforts led by Türkiye, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, marks a significant step toward de-escalating the conflict in Gaza and fostering conditions for lasting peace in the region.
In a post on the U.S.-based social media platform X, Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Qatar’s dedication to its “humanitarian, historical, and diplomatic duty” toward the Palestinians and the broader region. “As the first phase of the ceasefire agreement comes into force, we affirm that Qatar will spare no effort in a manner that reflects its humanitarian, historical, and diplomatic duty toward the Palestinian brothers and the region,” he wrote. He underscored that the success of this initial phase depends on a “collective responsibility” to ensure the agreement’s implementation and the achievement of peace and stability.
The ceasefire agreement follows months of intense negotiations, with Qatar playing a pivotal role alongside its regional and international partners. The mediation process has been complex, addressing deeply entrenched issues between Israel and Hamas, including the release of hostages, prisoner exchanges, and the withdrawal of military forces from Gaza. The agreement’s first phase, which began on Friday, includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of the Gaza Strip, as reported by Israeli media. According to these reports, the Israeli army is expected to complete its pullout to designated locations within 24 hours, in line with a plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump to end the war in the Palestinian enclave.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel has agreed to release 250 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences, as well as an additional 1,700 individuals detained in Gaza since October 2023. In exchange, Hamas is to release all Israeli hostages it has held since the onset of the conflict. This exchange is seen as a critical component of the agreement, aimed at building trust between the parties and creating momentum for further phases of the ceasefire.
The conflict in Gaza, which intensified in October 2023, has caused widespread devastation, with thousands of casualties and significant destruction of infrastructure. The humanitarian crisis in the region has drawn global attention, prompting calls for an immediate ceasefire and increased aid to address the dire needs of Gaza’s population. Qatar, known for its active role in conflict mediation and humanitarian assistance, has been a key player in facilitating dialogue between Israel and Hamas. The country has also provided substantial financial and logistical support to Gaza, including funding for reconstruction efforts and essential services.
Sheikh Mohammed’s remarks reflect Qatar’s broader foreign policy approach, which emphasizes diplomacy and humanitarian engagement in conflict zones. Over the years, Qatar has positioned itself as a neutral mediator in various regional disputes, leveraging its relationships with both Western and Middle Eastern actors to facilitate dialogue. In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Qatar has consistently advocated for a just resolution that addresses the rights and aspirations of the Palestinian people while promoting regional stability.
The ceasefire agreement represents a rare moment of hope in a conflict that has long been characterized by cycles of violence and stalled negotiations. However, challenges remain in ensuring its full implementation. Analysts note that the success of the ceasefire will depend on the commitment of both Israel and Hamas to adhere to the agreed terms, as well as the continued involvement of mediators like Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, and the U.S. Trust-building measures, such as the prisoner and hostage exchanges, are seen as critical to sustaining the agreement and paving the way for subsequent phases, which may include discussions on long-term governance, reconstruction, and security arrangements in Gaza.
The international community has welcomed the ceasefire, with several world leaders expressing cautious optimism about its potential to bring an end to the violence. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement on Friday, calling the agreement “a vital step toward peace” and urging all parties to honor their commitments. The European Union, through its foreign policy chief, also praised the mediation efforts and emphasized the need for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza to address the immediate needs of civilians.
In Gaza, the ceasefire has been met with a mix of relief and skepticism. Residents, many of whom have endured months of bombardment and displacement, expressed hope that the agreement would lead to an end to the suffering. However, some voiced concerns about the durability of the ceasefire, citing previous agreements that failed to deliver lasting peace. “We want to believe this will hold, but we’ve seen too many broken promises,” said Ahmed, a shopkeeper in Gaza City, who asked to be identified only by his first name. “What we need now is not just a pause in fighting but real change—rebuilding our homes, schools, and lives.”
Qatar’s role in the ceasefire negotiations has been widely praised, with diplomats noting the country’s ability to engage with both Hamas and Israel, as well as its coordination with other mediators. Türkiye, which has taken a strong stance in support of Palestinian rights, played a complementary role in the talks, while Egypt’s proximity to Gaza and its historical involvement in Israeli-Palestinian negotiations added critical weight to the mediation process. The U.S., under President Trump’s leadership, contributed by outlining a framework for the ceasefire and leveraging its influence to bring the parties to the table.
As the first phase of the ceasefire unfolds, attention is turning to the next steps. The agreement is structured in multiple phases, with subsequent stages expected to address more complex issues, such as the governance of Gaza, the lifting of the blockade, and the establishment of mechanisms to prevent future escalations. Humanitarian organizations are also preparing to scale up aid deliveries to Gaza, with Qatar expected to play a significant role in funding and coordinating these efforts.
Sheikh Mohammed’s statement on X concluded with a call for unity and responsibility, emphasizing that the ceasefire’s success is not solely the responsibility of the mediators or the conflicting parties but of the international community as a whole. “The path to peace is fraught with challenges, but it is a path we must walk together,” he wrote. “Qatar stands ready to do its part, as it always has, for the sake of our Palestinian brothers and for the stability of our region.”
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the ceasefire can hold and whether it can serve as a foundation for a broader resolution to the conflict. For now, the people of Gaza, along with observers around the world, are watching closely, hoping that this agreement marks the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s troubled history. Qatar’s continued engagement, both diplomatically and humanitarianly, will likely remain a cornerstone of efforts to sustain the ceasefire and address the long-term needs of the Palestinian people.
As the ceasefire takes effect, the international community is reminded of the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts and humanitarian support in resolving one of the world’s most protracted conflicts. Qatar’s role, as articulated by Sheikh Mohammed, underscores the power of mediation and the enduring need for collective action to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.
