Qatar Confirms Positive Atmosphere for Second Phase of Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts Seek to Advance Negotiations as Humanitarian Aid Continues to Enter Gaza.
Watan-Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated on Tuesday that daily communications are taking place to initiate negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, though talks have not yet begun. However, he noted that there is a positive atmosphere for moving forward.
During his weekly press conference, Al-Ansari said, “Mediation efforts continue to facilitate the start of negotiations for the second phase. The terms of the first phase will be fully implemented before transitioning to the next stage, and the arrival of delegations depends on the decisions of the involved parties.” He added that while delegations are moving in and out without fixed schedules, “we have heard positive statements from Israel and hope they will contribute to advancing the second phase.”
When asked if Israel had committed to engaging in the next phase of negotiations, Al-Ansari responded, “We will not comment on behalf of the Israeli government regarding its involvement in the talks, but the atmosphere remains positive.” He reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to launching the second-phase negotiations, working with all parties involved. “We have no doubt that the agreement will be fully implemented,” he stated, welcoming recent U.S. remarks supporting the process.
Humanitarian Aid and Ceasefire Implementation
Al-Ansari confirmed that Qatari humanitarian aid to Gaza is ongoing, with 20 million liters of fuel delivered out of a total of 30 million. He emphasized that “there is a great need for humanitarian aid in Gaza, and it should not be used as leverage in negotiations.” Regarding the entry of aid into the enclave, he noted, “We are awaiting field updates on deliveries and have no new information on what has entered so far. We call on all parties to uphold the agreement’s terms, and a mechanism has been established to handle complaints regarding aid entry to Gaza.”
U.S. Envoy: Phase Two of the Agreement Will Begin
On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump’s envoy to the Middle East, Steve Whitcoff, stated that negotiations over the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Israel and Palestinian resistance factions were ongoing this week. He affirmed, “The second phase of the agreement will definitely begin,” highlighting that discussions will continue.
Whitcoff also revealed that he had conducted “very positive and constructive” phone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Rashad.
Israeli Security Cabinet Meeting Yields No Decisions
Meanwhile, Israel’s Security Cabinet (the “kabinett”) convened late Monday into early Tuesday to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas. However, according to Israel’s public broadcaster “Kan Reshet Bet,” no decisions were made, and no vote took place during the session.
Qatar Welcomes Saudi Mediation in U.S.-Russia Talks
In a separate matter, Al-Ansari expressed Qatar’s strong support for Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting U.S.-Russia dialogue aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. He urged backing for Riyadh’s diplomatic efforts, stating, “We hope that negotiations in Saudi Arabia will lead to an announcement marking the end of the Ukraine war.”
