Qatar PM States Hamas Violated Ceasefire, Urges Disarmament Amid Gaza Tensions

Qatari Premier Addresses Ceasefire Breach

Doha, Qatar – Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, that Hamas had violated the recent ceasefire agreement with Israel. Speaking at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City, Al Thani described the breach as 'very disappointing and frustrating' and confirmed that Doha is actively urging the Palestinian group to acknowledge the necessity of disarmament.

The Qatari premier's remarks came after an incident on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, where Israeli soldiers were attacked in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of a reservist, Master Sgt. (res.) Yona Efraim Feldbaum. Al Thani attributed the violation to a 'Palestinian party,' though Hamas subsequently denied direct involvement, offering conflicting explanations, including claims that the gunmen responsible 'lost communication' with the leadership or belonged to a separate group.

Push for Disarmament and Governance Shift

A central point of Qatar's diplomatic efforts is the push for Hamas's disarmament. Al Thani acknowledged that this would be a 'complex' and 'not an easy process,' noting that the obligation to disarm extends to all Palestinian factions. He revealed that Hamas has expressed a willingness to relinquish governance in Gaza, a potential turning point in the mediation process. 'Hamas's response to us was very clear…they are willing to give up the governance,' Al Thani stated, adding that the 'weapons question' is an obligation for all factions.

The ceasefire agreement, mediated by Qatar, the United States, Egypt, and Turkey, was initially reached on October 10 and formalized at an international summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. Despite the recent violation, Al Thani emphasized that the main parties involved are committed to upholding the agreement, and Washington remains dedicated to the deal.

Israel's Response and Mutual Accusations

Following the attack on its soldiers, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering 'forceful strikes' and accusing Hamas of a 'clear violation' of the truce. These strikes resulted in the deaths of over 100 Palestinians, including 46 children and 20 women, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Israel later announced it would resume observing the ceasefire.

For its part, Hamas accused Israel of violating the ceasefire with its renewed attacks and stated its commitment to the agreement despite what it termed Israeli 'violations.' The exchange of accusations underscores the fragile nature of the truce, with both sides trading blame for the recent escalation.

Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts

Qatar, a key mediator, continues to work with international partners to sustain the truce and prevent its collapse. Al Thani highlighted that mediators from Qatar, the United States, Egypt, and Turkey are working tirelessly to maintain compliance from both parties. The focus remains on ensuring the resilience of the ceasefire and ultimately achieving a broader objective of ending the conflict and implementing the Sharm El Sheikh agreement.