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Friday, April 03, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "ceasefire" (120 articles)

Tents at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip, on Monday, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues. AFP
Region

White House releases Trump's 20-point Gaza peace plan

After days of speculation, the White House on Monday released a 20-point plan for ending the nearly two-year war in Gaza, releasing hostages held by Hamas, and outlining the Palestinian enclave's future.Speaking alongside President Donald Trump at the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave cautious backing to plan.Here is the plan, as released by the White House:Gaza will be a deradicalized terror-free zone that does not pose a threat to its neighbors.Gaza will be redeveloped for the benefit of the people of Gaza, who have suffered more than enough.If both sides agree to this proposal, the war will immediately end. Israeli forces will withdraw to the agreed upon line to prepare for a hostage release. During this time, all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardment, will be suspended, and battle lines will remain frozen until conditions are met for the complete staged withdrawal.Within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting this agreement, all hostages, alive and deceased, will be returned.Once all hostages are released, Israel will release 250 life sentence prisoners plus 1,700 Gazans who were detained after October 7th 2023, including all women and children detained in that context. For every Israeli hostage whose remains are released, Israel will release the remains of 15 deceased Gazans.Once all hostages are returned, Hamas members who commit to peaceful co-existence and to decommission their weapons will be given amnesty. Members of Hamas who wish to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage to receiving countries.Upon acceptance of this agreement, full aid will be immediately sent into the Gaza Strip. At a minimum, aid quantities will be consistent with what was included in the January 19, 2025, agreement regarding humanitarian aid, including rehabilitation of infrastructure (water, electricity, sewage), rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries, and entry of necessary equipment to remove rubble and open roads.Entry of distribution and aid in the Gaza Strip will proceed without interference from the two parties through the United Nations and its agencies, and the Red Crescent, in addition to other international institutions not associated in any manner with either party. Opening the Rafah crossing in both directions will be subject to the same mechanism implemented under the January 19, 2025 agreement.Gaza will be governed under the temporary transitional governance of a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, responsible for delivering the day-to-day running of public services and municipalities for the people in Gaza. This committee will be made up of qualified Palestinians and international experts, with oversight and supervision by a new international transitional body, the "Board of Peace," which will be headed and chaired by President Donald J. Trump, with other members and heads of State to be announced, including Former Prime Minister Tony Blair. This body will set the framework and handle the funding for the redevelopment of Gaza until such time as the Palestinian Authority has completed its reform program, as outlined in various proposals, including President Trump's peace plan in 2020 and the Saudi-French proposal, and can securely and effectively take back control of Gaza. This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment.A Trump economic development plan to rebuild and energize Gaza will be created by convening a panel of experts who have helped birth some of the thriving modern miracle cities in the Middle East. Many thoughtful investment proposals and exciting development ideas have been crafted by well-meaning international groups, and will be considered to synthesize the security and governance frameworks to attract and facilitate these investments that will create jobs, opportunity, and hope for future Gaza.A special economic zone will be established with preferred tariff and access rates to be negotiated with participating countries.No one will be forced to leave Gaza, and those who wish to leave will be free to do so and free to return. We will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza.Hamas and other factions agree to not have any role in the governance of Gaza, directly, indirectly, or in any form. All military, terror, and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities, will be destroyed and not rebuilt. There will be a process of demilitarization of Gaza under the supervision of independent monitors, which will include placing weapons permanently beyond use through an agreed process of decommissioning, and supported by an internationally funded buy back and reintegration program all verified by the independent monitors. New Gaza will be fully committed to building a prosperous economy and to peaceful coexistence with their neighbors.A guarantee will be provided by regional partners to ensure that Hamas, and the factions, comply with their obligations and that New Gaza poses no threat to its neighbors or its people.The United States will work with Arab and international partners to develop a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF) to immediately deploy in Gaza. The ISF will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field. This force will be the long-term internal security solution. The ISF will work with Israel and Egypt to help secure border areas, along with newly trained Palestinian police forces. It is critical to prevent munitions from entering Gaza and to facilitate the rapid and secure flow of goods to rebuild and revitalize Gaza. A deconfliction mechanism will be agreed upon by the parties.Israel will not occupy or annex Gaza. As the ISF establishes control and stability, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw based on standards, milestones, and timeframes linked to demilitarization that will be agreed upon between the IDF, ISF, the guarantors, and the Unites States, with the objective of a secure Gaza that no longer poses a threat to Israel, Egypt, or its citizens. Practically, the IDF will progressively hand over the Gaza territory it occupies to the ISF according to an agreement they will make with the transitional authority until they are withdrawn completely from Gaza, save for a security perimeter presence that will remain until Gaza is properly secure from any resurgent terror threat.In the event Hamas delays or rejects this proposal, the above, including the scaled-up aid operation, will proceed in the terror-free areas handed over from the IDF to the ISF.An interfaith dialogue process will be established based on the values of tolerance and peaceful co-existence to try and change mindsets and narratives of Palestinians and Israelis by emphasizing the benefits that can be derived from peace.While Gaza re-development advances and when the PA reform program is faithfully carried out, the conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood, which we recognize as the aspiration of the Palestinian people.The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous co-existence.

US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington, DC on Monday.  AFP
Region

Trump announces Gaza peace plan, with Netanyahu backing

President Donald Trump unveiled a wide-ranging Gaza peace plan Monday and won backing from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.The 20-point plan, which Trump has also circulated to Arab leaders, calls for a ceasefire, release of hostages by Hamas, disarmament of Hamas and gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.Other key points include deployment of a "temporary international stabilisation force" and creation of a transitional authority headed by Trump himself and featuring other foreign leaders.The deal would demand resistance movement Hamas fighters fully disarm and be excluded from future roles in the government. However, those who agreed to "peaceful co-existence" would be given amnesty.Following Israeli withdrawal, the borders would be opened to aid and investment.In a crucial change from Trump's earlier apparent goals, Palestinians will not be forced to leave Gaza and instead, the document said, "we will encourage people to stay and offer them the opportunity to build a better Gaza."Netanyahu made clear he was in favour, saying it "achieves our war aims," while Trump said he was hopeful that Hamas would also give its backing.Approval from all sides was "beyond very close," Trump said. Proposal calls for release of hostages within 48 hours of ceasefire.However, many important details remained to be clarified.The US president had met key Arab leaders at the United Nations last week and said Sunday on social media that " all are on board for something special, first time ever".Normally a staunch ally of Netanyahu, the US president has shown increasing signs of frustration ahead of the Israeli premier's fourth White House visit since Trump's return to power.Trump was infuriated by Israel's recent strike on Hamas members in key US ally Qatar.And he warned Netanyahu last week against annexing the Israeli-occupied West Bank, as some of Netanyahu's cabinet members have urged, a move that would seriously complicate the route to Palestinian statehood.Netanyahu's coalition government is propped up by the far-right ministers who oppose a peace deal.Hamas' apparent absence from the negotiations has raised questions about the prospects for the latest initiative.Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continued across the Gaza Strip, killing at least four people in Khan Younis, according to the Hamas-run territory's civil defense agency.Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza urged Trump to uphold his Gaza proposal.And in Gaza, people expressed a mix of hope, exhaustion and distrust ahead of the White House meeting.Israel's offensive has killed 66,055 Palestinians, also mostly civilians, according to health ministry figures in the Hamas-run territory.

Participants march with Palestinian flags during a demonstration near the Brandenburg Gate in the center of Berlin.
Region

Hamas yet to get Trump plan; Israel expands Gaza assault

Hamas has not received US President Donald Trump's Gaza ceasefire plan, the Palestinian resistance group which runs the enclave said Saturday as Israeli forces expanded their assault on Gaza City. "Hamas has not been presented with any plan," a Hamas official who asked not to be named told Reuters.In his comments to reporters on Friday in which he said "it's looking like we have a deal on Gaza", Trump offered no details of its contents and gave no timetable. Israel has not yet made any public response to Trump's comments.Trump is due on Monday to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads a hard-right governing coalition opposed to ending the Gaza war until Hamas is destroyed.Trump also said on Friday talks on Gaza with Middle Eastern nations were intense and would continue as long as required.His special envoy Steve Witkoff said the US president had presented proposals to the leaders of multiple Muslim-majority countries this week that included a 21-point Middle East peace plan.In Gaza meanwhile, the fighting continued.The Israeli military said its aircraft struck 120 targets across the strip over the past day as troops pressed deeper into Gaza City. The Palestinian Health Ministry said 74 people were killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours.In a post on social media platform X, the military's Arabic spokesman repeated calls for Gaza City residents to evacuate.

Gulf Times
Region

US President Says Gaza Talks Continue with Wide Regional Participation

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that ongoing talks have been taking place for four days with leaders from countries in the region to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, stressing that the negotiations would continue until a successful agreement that achieves peace is reached. Trump said on his Truth Social platform that the discussions included leaders from several Islamic countries and that the Palestinian movement, Hamas, was fully aware of these negotiations, adding that the Israeli side has been informed of all their details at every level. He noted that optimism was higher than at any time in decades of conflict and that there was genuine willingness and strong enthusiasm to reach a historic agreement, with all parties eager to move beyond what he described as a dark period of death and destruction. Trump expressed pride in being part of these negotiations, saying they must secure the release of hostages and establish lasting peace. Speaking separately to reporters at the White House, he said he was very close to reaching an agreement on Gaza, stressing that any deal would be contingent on the return of hostages and an end to the war. He described his talks with European and Arab leaders as productive and constructive.

King Felipe VI of Spain addresses the United Nations (UN) General Assembly during the 80th session of the annual event on Wednesday, in New York City. AFP
Region

Spain's King Felipe demands Gaza ceasefire, urgent aid

King Felipe VI of Spain has called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the delivery of humanitarian aid, stressing that there should be no longer silence over the killing and starvation in the enclave. There must be no glossing over the systematic destruction of schools and hospitals, the killing of civilians, and the deliberate infliction of starvation in Gaza, he stressed, addressing the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He described what is unfolding in the Gaza Strip as a matter that shocks human conscience and constitutes a profound disgrace to the international community, while calling upon the Israeli entity to immediately cease all acts of killing. King Felipe further noted that the international community must assume its responsibility to achieve peace through the two-state solution, averring that the recognition of a Palestinian state should help establish peace and regional stability in the region. He expressed his pushback on the rising voices that claim the end of multilateralism and that the UN has become defanged, calling upon all to recall the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the UN in the aftermath of WWII, and the grim chapter humanity endured during that era. In addition, the King underscored the utmost importance of cooperation and multilateralism to confront the current epochal challenges, stressing that the UN has become instrumental, cannot be dispensed with, and that no alternative can be found for it. He expressed his deep concern over the erosion of democracy and the growing departure from the fundamental values that underpin peaceful coexistence among all peoples, affirming his country's unwavering commitment to continue supporting efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in accordance with the principles of international law. The high-level week of the UN General Assembly continues in full swing, with today featuring remarks from additional heads of state and government during the general debate, a high-level meeting on the situation of Palestinian children, the climate summit, a Security Council meeting on artificial intelligence, and other high-stakes events and dialogues.

Displaced Palestinians move with their belonging's southwards on a road in the Nuseirat refugee camp area in the central Gaza Strip, as Israel presses its ground offensive to capture Gaza City. AFP
Region

Nearly 2mn Palestinians displaced in Gaza: UNRWA

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced the forcible displacement of 1.9 mn people in the Gaza Strip.In a statement, the UN agency said that "For 2 years too long, UNRWA has been calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, the scale of suffering and destruction is unimaginable." It added, "We call again for a ceasefire now."Last Friday, the UNRWA reported that the cost of displacement from Gaza City in the north of the Strip to the south is estimated at $3,180 per family. The agency also pointed to severe overcrowding in areas designated for the tents of Palestinians displaced by the Israeli military offensive.This comes amid the massive humanitarian crisis facing the people of the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been the target of a war of extermination for nearly two years, and amid the intensification of Israeli occupation operations in Gaza City in recent days.Medical sources in the Gaza Strip announced Sunday that five deaths were recorded in the Strip due to famine and malnutrition over the past 24 hours.These sources reported that the total number of deaths from famine and malnutrition has risen to 447, including 147 children.The death toll from the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, has risen to 65,283 martyrs.In a statement Sunday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said that hospitals in the Strip received, over the past 24 hours, the bodies of 75 martyrs (four of whom were recovered from under the rubble of destroyed buildings) and 304 wounded.

Gulf Times
Region

Death toll from Israeli aggression on Gaza rises to 64,803 martyrs

The death toll from the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, has reached 64,803 martyrs and 164,264 injured.In a statement today, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza said that within the last 24 hours, hospitals in the Gaza Strip received 47 martyrs and 205 injured people.The total death toll since the occupation violated the ceasefire agreement on March 18, 2025, has reached approximately 12,253 martyrs and 52,223 wounded.The statement added that five martyrs and 26 wounded have arrived at hospitals in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of those killed in the struggle for a living to 2,484, and more than 18,117 wounded.It also noted that hospitals in the Gaza Strip recorded seven new deaths, including two children, over the past 24 hours as a result of starvation and malnutrition. This brings the total number of starvation victims to 429, including 145 children.

Gulf Times
International

US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt propose road map for Sudanese crisis resolution

The United States, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt proposed a roadmap to end the conflict in Sudan, calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire following a three-month truce and for a nine-month transitional process to establish a civilian-led government.In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the four countries urged a three-month humanitarian truce to allow urgent delivery of aid, to be followed by a permanent ceasefire. They stressed that there was no military solution to the conflict and warned that the current situation was causing unacceptable suffering and posing risks to peace and security. The ministers also rejected any return of Sudan's former regime or groups linked to it.The warring parties in Sudan have not yet stated their positions on this initiative.This joint appeal followed a call last June by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for a one-week truce in El Fasher, a proposal accepted by the Sudanese army but rejected by the Rapid Support Forces.The war in Sudan has created the world's worst humanitarian crisis, pushing much of the population into famine and leaving millions in extremely dire conditions.

Gulf Times
Region

UK Foreign Secretary says Gaza ceasefire immediate imperative to end suffering

The appalling suffering in Gaza must end, beginning with an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and ensuring the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid to those in need, stressed the new UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. In a statement on Tuesday, she noted that the United Kingdom, through the Peace Framework Initiative, is leading international efforts to create the conditions for peace and security, and to work towards a two-state solution. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza in October 2023, the enclave has faced one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history. The blockade and severe shortages of food and medical supplies have caused widespread and profound suffering.

Palestinians watch as smoke rises after a building was hit by an Israeli air strike, in Gaza City
Region

Gaza death toll hits 64,368 martyrs

The death toll of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 64,368 martyrs and 162,367 injured. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated Saturday that 68 martyrs and 362 injured arrived at the sector’s hospitals in the past 24 hours, noting that the number of martyrs and injuries since the occupation breached the ceasefire agreement on March 18 has reached 11,828 martyrs and 50,326 injured.It also noted that hospitals had received 23 martyrs in the past 24 hours among aid victims, along with 143 injured, bringing the total number of martyrs who died seeking sustenance to 2,385 people, and the injured to 17,577.The ministry further reported that hospitals in the sector recorded 6 new deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of victims of the systematic Israeli starvation of Gaza's residents to 385 deaths, including 135 children.The Israeli occupation continues its genocidal war against Gaza and its people, disregarding international calls to stop the killing machine and open the crossings to allow humanitarian aid, amid an unprecedented catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Gulf Times
Region

Gaza death toll hits 64231 martyrs

The death toll of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 64,231 martyrs and 161,583 injured. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated Thursday that 84 martyrs and 338 injured arrived at the sector's hospitals in the past 24 hours, noting that the number of martyrs and injuries since the occupation breached the ceasefire agreement on March 18 has reached 11,699 martyrs and 49,542 injured.It also noted that hospitals received in the past 24 hours 17 martyrs among aid victims, along with 174 injured, bringing the total number of martyrs who died seeking sustenance to 2,356 people, and the injured to 17,244.The ministry further reported that hospitals in the sector recorded 3 new deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of victims of the systematic Israeli starvation of Gaza's residents to 370 deaths, including 131 children.The Israeli occupation continues its genocidal war against Gaza and its people, disregarding international calls to stop the killing machine and open the crossings to allow humanitarian aid, amid an unprecedented catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Dr. al-Ansari stressed that both mediators Egypt and Qatar has been working constantly and tirelessly to end the escalating situation in Gaza
Qatar

Qatar, partners continue efforts to end Gaza war

Israel has not given any official response to the Hamas approved plan for settlement even though this plan agrees with almost 98% of Israeli proposals and demands in this regard, pointed out HE Dr Majed bin Mohamed al-Ansari, Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Tuesday.Addressing the ministry’s weekly press briefing, he explained that both mediators - Egypt and Qatar - have been working tirelessly to end the escalating situation in Gaza and find a way out for the sufferings of the Palestinian people there.“However, it seems that the Israeli side is not taking the issue of peace settlement seriously and the situation on the ground has continued to deteriorate with the targeting of journalists, media persons, medics, aid workers and aid seekers, in addition to more killing of civilians and worsening the suffering of the Palestinian people on the ground,” he observed.Dr al-Ansari noted that both Qatar and Egypt are mainly concerned about ending this worsening situation and determined to continue the peaceful negotiations alongside all the other mediators and involved parties, especially the American side, regardless where and when the negotiations take place.Regarding the negative and provocative statements in the Israeli media that tend to worsen and escalate the situation, the Qatari official stressed that as mediators, Qatar is only concerned about the official Israeli response and such statements are of no serious concern.Further, no official response to Hamas proposal has been issued so far by the Israeli government, even though the plan has been there for more than 10 days with them. Dr al-Ansari further stressed the need for more pressure on the Israeli government by the international community to end the situation that has been taking a very dangerous turn on the humanitarian level.