Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the necessity of ensuring the full implementation of a Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The conversation, held over the phone, highlighted the strategic relations between Doha and Washington and explored ways to strengthen them.

According to Anadolu Agency, the discussions centered on the current ceasefire situation in Gaza, as well as other issues of mutual concern. The Qatari Prime Minister stressed the importance of regional and international efforts to fully implement the ceasefire agreement. He emphasized that such efforts are crucial for achieving sustainable peace and stability in the region.

The ceasefire, initiated on October 10, has seen Hamas release 20 Israeli captives alive and hand over the remains of 19 individuals, mostly Israelis. However, Israel reported a discrepancy, stating that one of the bodies did not match any of its listed captives. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has killed 211 Palestinians and injured 597 others, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry.

Israel has linked the commencement of the second phase of ceasefire negotiations to the return of all hostage remains. Hamas has indicated that the process requires time due to the extensive destruction in Gaza. The initial phase of the agreement includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and outlines plans for the reconstruction of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing system without Hamas.

Since October 2023, Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in the deaths of over 68,500 people, predominantly women and children, and have injured more than 170,600 individuals.