Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, is demanding that negotiations for phase two of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire begin immediately. The ceasefire began on January 19th with the first phase including hostage and prisoner exchanges, retreating of Israeli troops from populated areas, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, humanitarian aid access, and maintained Israeli military presence along the border of Gaza. This stage is expected to last 42 days, and negotiations for phase two should begin 16 days after the start of phase one. While the agenda has been discussed with Hamas and Israeli leaders, specifics regarding date and place for the delegations have yet to be decided.

While phase one of the ceasefire is currently in effect, phase two negotiations must be held to discuss the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, further hostage and prisoner exchanges, and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Sheikh Mohammed, who facilitated the accord alongside Egypt and the United States, stated in a press conference in Doha, “We hope that we start to see some movement in the next few days. It’s critical that we get things rolling from now in order to get to an agreement before day 42.”

Qatar’s urgency for ceasefire talks should be met with eager cooperation from Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as encouragement from the international community. Hesitation or political maneuvering at this critical stage risks derailing peace talks and plunging Gaza into further humanitarian crises. So far, the ceasefire has resulted in the return of 13 Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, with more expected to follow. Both Hamas and Israel have accused each other of violating the agreements, indicating the fragility of the current truce. Though the ceasefire has prevented loss of life and provided respite from war, it is not a guarantee of lasting peace. Israeli and Hamas officials must quickly agree to starting phase two negotiations in order to avoid breakdown in the agreements. 

The historic conflict between Israel and Palestine has been marked by countless tragedies and resulted in the Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip, often described as an “open-air prison” by reporters and human rights organizations. After Hamas orchestrated the October 7th attacks on Israel that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 as hostages, the Israel Defense Forces launched a brutal war and several bombing campaigns that have left an estimated 47,000 Palestinians dead. Since the ceasefire was agreed to, Hamas has accused Israel of dragging their feet on the flow of humanitarian aid and supplies, including food and tents, that are vital to stopping the humanitarian crisis within the enclave. Israel has rejected these claims of intentional delay. The fragility of the ceasefire was further worsened by United States President Donald Trump’s plan of a U.S.-owned Gaza strip, proposed during Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit to the White House. Netanyahu said the plan was “remarkable,” while many in the international community condemned these irresponsible statements.

If ceasefire talks collapse, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will rapidly worsen, plunging millions into further suffering. The enclave, already on the brink of catastrophe due to months of bombardment and blockade, cannot afford a return to full-scale war. Without sustained negotiations, vital aid—including food, medical supplies, and shelter—could be obstructed, leaving displaced Palestinians in desperate conditions. A breakdown in talks would not only reignite violence but also deepen the humanitarian disaster, disproportionately affecting civilians who have already borne the brunt of this conflict. Inaction or delays in securing a lasting peace will cost countless more lives. The international community must support Qatar’s demands for phase two talks and continue to wholly condemn comments from world leaders that could threaten stability of the agreements.