Doha: Arab and regional ministers utilized the opening of the Doha Forum to outline a roadmap for Gaza's post-war governance, emphasizing a Palestinian-led technocratic administration and calling for a permanent ceasefire.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted the necessity of a technocratic administration drawn from the strip as a first step to restore services and rebuild institutions. The forum's sessions underscored a regional consensus that long-term stability in Gaza hinges on governance structures rather than temporary ceasefire arrangements.
Abdelatty advocated for a framework that empowers Gazans with professional expertise to manage essential services and coordinate with international partners. He stressed that local leadership is crucial for public trust and ensuring a credible and sustainable transition. The proposed structure may involve an international stabilization mechanism and civilian oversight, as discussed in ongoing truce negotiations.
The Doha Forum's discussions occur amid ongoing ceasefire violations by Israel since a truce brokered by Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the US on October 10. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that Israeli forces have killed 347 Palestinians and injured 889 others since the ceasefire began. Additionally, Israel has restricted humanitarian aid entry to Gaza, exacerbating the potential famine risk for 2.3 million Palestinians and hindering reconstruction efforts.
In response to proposed Israeli plans to open a one-way crossing for Palestinians to exit Gaza via the Rafah crossing to Egypt, key Gaza ceasefire guarantors and five Muslim nations expressed strong opposition, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining the Rafah Crossing open in both directions and ensuring freedom of movement for Gaza's residents.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani cautioned against equating the current lull in fighting with a permanent ceasefire, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive cessation involving full Israeli withdrawal and restoration of civilian movement to prevent renewed escalation.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized phased transitions in Gaza, advocating for a civil administration and vetted police force before attempting disarmament to prevent a security vacuum. He suggested an international support mission for security-sector reform, although details on its mandate and contributors remain undetermined.
FM Abdelatty supported deploying a force along 'the yellow line' to monitor the truce, addressing incidents of Israeli forces firing on Palestinians near the line since the ceasefire. Fidan cautioned against prioritizing disarming Hamas, urging the United States to ensure Israeli compliance with the plan to prevent its potential failure.
The Doha Forum will continue with sessions addressing humanitarian financing, conflict mediation, global economic disruption, and technology governance.