Qatar and Egypt, the guarantors of the Gaza ceasefire, called on Saturday for the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the deployment of an international stabilisation force as the necessary next steps in fully implementing the fragile agreement.

The measures were spelt out in the US- and UN-backed peace plan that has largely halted fighting, though the warring parties have yet to agree on how to move forward from the deal’s first phase.

Its initial steps required Israeli troops to pull back behind a “yellow line” within Gaza’s borders, while the Palestinian militant group Hamas released the living hostages it still held and handed over the remains of all but one of the deceased.

“Now we are at the critical moment … A ceasefire cannot be completed unless there is a full withdrawal of the Israeli forces (and) there is stability back in Gaza,” the Qatari premier, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, told the Doha Forum, an annual diplomatic conference.

Qatar, alongside Egypt and the US, helped secure the long-elusive truce, which remains delicate as Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaching its terms.

Key sticking points have also emerged over the implementation of the second phase,which has yet to begin,including the question of Hamas’s disarmament.

Hamas is supposed to disarm under the 20-point plan first outlined by the US president, Donald Trump, with members who decommission their weapons allowed to leave Gaza.The group has repeatedly rejected the proposition.

Hamas said on Saturday that it was ready to hand over its weapons in the Gaza Strip to a Palestinian authority on the condition that the Israeli army’s occupation ends.

“Our weapons are linked to the existence of the occupation and the aggression,” Hamas’s chief negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, said in a statement.

“If the occupation ends, these weapons will be placed under the authority of the state,” he added.

Under the plan endorsed by the UN in November,Israel is to withdraw from its positions,Gaza is to be administered by a tr

Muslim-Majority Nations Unite Against Forced Displacement of Palestinians in Rafah

As Israel continues its military operations in Rafah,a city in the southern Gaza Strip,concerns over the potential for mass displacement of palestinians have reached a critical point. A coalition of Muslim-majority nations has voiced strong opposition to any attempts to expel Palestinians from their land, emphasizing Rafah’s role as a vital entry point for humanitarian aid rather than a pathway for forced migration.

International Concerns and Opposition

The escalating conflict in Rafah has sparked widespread international alarm, with numerous organizations and governments warning of a humanitarian catastrophe. The primary concern revolves around the potential for a large-scale exodus of Palestinians seeking refuge, particularly as Israeli forces have ordered evacuations in parts of the city. This has led to a unified stance from many Muslim-majority countries.

according to statements released on saturday, these nations firmly oppose any actions that would result in the displacement of the Palestinian population. They view Rafah as a crucial lifeline for delivering essential aid to the besieged Gaza Strip, and not as a staging ground for forced relocation. This position underscores the commitment to upholding the rights of Palestinians and ensuring their safety and well-being.

Egypt’s Role and Concerns

Egypt, a key player in the ongoing negotiations and a bordering nation to Gaza, has been particularly vocal about its concerns.Egyptian officials have repeatedly stated that they will not accept the forced displacement of Palestinians into Egyptian territory. They emphasize that any movement of palestinians must be voluntary and conducted in a manner that respects their dignity and rights. Reuters reported in May 2024 on Egypt’s warnings regarding a Rafah operation and its refusal to accept displaced Palestinians.

Abdelatty’s Statement on Rafah

Ambassador ahmed Abdelatty,Egypt’s representative to the United Nations,reiterated this stance on Saturday,stating that Rafah “is not going to be a gateway for displacement”,but only an entry point for aid. This statement highlights Egypt’s commitment to facilitating humanitarian assistance while firmly rejecting any attempts to use Rafah as a means of forcibly relocating Palestinians. Middle East Monitor covered Abdelatty’s statement on december 7, 2024.

The Humanitarian Situation in rafah

Before the recent escalation, Rafah was already sheltering over a million displaced Palestinians who had fled fighting elsewhere in Gaza.The influx of people has placed immense strain on the city’s limited resources, including food, water, and medical supplies. Further displacement would exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation, potentially leading to widespread suffering and loss of life.

Key takeaways

• Muslim-majority nations are united in their opposition to the forced displacement of palestinians from Rafah.
• Egypt has firmly stated it will not accept Palestinians displaced into its territory.
• Rafah is viewed as a critical entry point for humanitarian aid, not a pathway for forced migration.
• The humanitarian situation in Rafah is already critical, and further displacement would worsen conditions.

Looking Ahead

The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The stance of Muslim-majority nations underscores the importance of protecting the rights and safety of Palestinians and preventing a further escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The future of Rafah, and the fate of its residents, remain uncertain, but the collective opposition to forced displacement provides a glimmer of hope for a more just and equitable outcome.