Gaza Ceasefire at Critical Moment

The Gaza ceasefire has reached a 'critical moment' as its first phase concludes, with the remains of one Israeli hostage still held by militants. International mediators, led by the United States, are working to advance to the second phase of a 20-point peace plan proposed by Donald Trump. This next phase includes deploying an international security force in Gaza Strip, forming a new technocratic government, disarming Hamas, and an eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces. However, a full ceasefire is not yet in effect, and violence continues, with over 360 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October. Qatar, through its prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, is a key mediator, emphasizing the need for a full Israeli withdrawal and the establishment of a Palestinian state. Turkey, a ceasefire guarantor, has expressed concerns about the international security force's formation. UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, faces an unclear future role and a cash crisis due to accusations of cooperating with Hamas and funding halts from the United States.