Qatar, US, Egypt Continue Gaza Ceasefire Mediation Amid Ongoing Conflict

Qatar, with support from Egypt and the United States, continues to mediate efforts toward a ceasefire in Gaza despite significant challenges and the recent expansion of Israeli military operations. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari stressed that previous mediation has resulted in more hostage releases than military action, and he rejected the use of humanitarian aid as leverage, urging international pressure to ensure aid reaches Gaza. Since March 2, Israel has closed Gaza's crossings, deepening the humanitarian crisis and leading to increasing starvation, with nearly 2.4 million Gazans dependent on aid. The situation has worsened as Hamas announced it would not participate in further talks while Israeli operations and restrictions persist. Israeli plans reportedly include expanding the offensive, moving civilians south, and controlling aid, while international legal pressures mount on Israel over its actions in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 52,600 Palestinians, most of them women and children, since October 2023.