Arab Ministers Present Gaza Reconstruction Plan as Israel Violates Ceasefire Deal
In a high-level meeting in Doha, Arab foreign ministers outlined a Gaza reconstruction plan to the U.S. envoy while condemning Israel’s refusal to honor the ceasefire agreement.
Watan-The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Arab foreign ministers, meeting in Doha on Wednesday, presented the Arab plan for Gaza reconstruction to U.S. envoy Stephen Whitkoff.
The meeting, held in the Qatari capital, was attended by:
- Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
- Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan
- Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty
- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi
- UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar
- Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Hussein Al-Sheikh
- U.S. Presidential Envoy to the Middle East, Stephen Whitkoff
In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry confirmed that the ministers outlined the Gaza reconstruction plan, which was approved during the Arab summit in Cairo on March 4. They also agreed with Whitkoff to continue consultations and coordination on the plan as a foundation for reconstruction efforts.
Calls for Ceasefire and Two-State Solution
The Arab ministers emphasized the importance of stabilizing the ceasefire in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, stressing the need to launch a genuine effort to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, ensuring the Palestinian people’s right to freedom and independence.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing dialogue to maintain de-escalation efforts and work collectively to promote security, stability, and peace in the region through enhanced diplomatic efforts and coordination with regional and international partners.
Israel Reneges on Ceasefire Agreement
The first phase of the 42-day ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which began on January 19, 2025, ended on March 1. The deal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with U.S. support, included a prisoner exchange and temporary truce.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to enter the second phase of the agreement, seeking to secure the release of more Israeli captives while failing to meet his obligations, particularly ending the war and withdrawing fully from Gaza.
On Tuesday evening, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that Whitkoff had started talks in Doha aimed at advancing negotiations for the release of Israeli captives.
Hamas Accuses Israel of Breaching the Agreement
Hamas insists on the immediate start of the second phase of the deal and has condemned Israel’s decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza since March 8, calling it:”A blatant war crime, a cheap act of blackmail, and a clear violation of the agreement.”
Prisoner Statistics and Humanitarian Crisis
Israel estimates that 59 Israeli captives remain in Gaza, with 24 of them still alive. Meanwhile, over 9,500 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israeli jails, where they endure torture, starvation, and medical neglect—conditions that have led to the deaths of multiple detainees, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights reports.
U.S.-Backed Genocide in Gaza
Since October 7, 2023, Israel—with full U.S. support—has waged a genocidal war in Gaza, resulting in:
- Over 160,000 Palestinian casualties (killed and wounded)
- A majority of victims being women and children
- More than 14,000 missing persons
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate as Israel blocks aid and violates ceasefire agreements, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts to halt the ongoing atrocities.
