Egypt and Qatar on Sunday called for a clearly defined mandate and powers for a proposed international force in Gaza to support early recovery and reconstruction efforts in the war-ravaged enclave, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said. In a phone call, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani affirmed continued coordination to reinforce the fragile ceasefire and build on the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit. The two sides also discussed ongoing consultations regarding the U.S. peace initiative. The ministers reiterated their shared stance on preserving the geographic and political unity of the Palestinian territories by maintaining the connection between the West Bank and Gaza, emphasizing the need for Palestinians to manage their own affairs. They also renewed their rejection of Israeli settlement expansion and what they described as escalating Israeli violations in the West Bank, warning that such actions undermine prospects for peace. On Sudan, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's support for the country's unity and stability, condemning what he called "horrific atrocities" in El Fasher. He urged the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to ensure unimpeded aid delivery and called for concerted regional and international efforts to achieve a nationwide ceasefire and pave the way for an inclusive political process. The conversation also addressed bilateral relations, including a new Qatari investment package in Egypt targeting priority sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and industry. In Gaza, humanitarian conditions continue to deteriorate despite the ceasefire that took effect in October. The World Health Organization (WHO) said around 16,500 patients in Gaza are waiting for evacuation for treatment abroad, while medical supplies remain stalled at border crossings. Egypt has received roughly 4,000 patients through the Rafah crossing before its closure, the WHO added. Israel has controlled the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing since May 2024, demolishing facilities and halting civilian movement—worsening the humanitarian situation, particularly for the sick and wounded. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, 69,176 people have been killed and 170,690 wounded since Israel launched its military campaign on October 7, 2023. It reported 241 deaths and 619 injuries since the ceasefire began, accusing Israel of repeated violations. Gaza's municipality warned of a looming disaster as the rainy season begins, citing severe infrastructure damage and mass displacement. Local officials said Israel continues to block over 350 essential food items, allowing only 4,453 aid and commercial trucks to enter out of 15,600 expected since the truce. The Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said its fighters in Rafah would not surrender and held Israel responsible for any renewed escalation. The group said it had complied with ceasefire terms, including the recovery and transfer of bodies, but noted that completing the process required additional equipment and technical support. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian told reporters that no Turkish troops would participate in any multinational force deployed in Gaza to replace Israeli forces. Tensions also flared in Jerusalem, where the Islamic Waqf reported that 153 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under police protection on Sunday and performed religious rituals, while Palestinian worshippers were barred from entry. Meanwhile, Colombian President Gustavo Petro described events in Gaza as a "brutal test of power in the world," criticizing Israel and the United States in a speech at a regional summit in Colombia. The Palestinian Health Ministry announced plans to launch an international fundraising campaign to support a special fund for amputee rehabilitation and the rebuilding of Gaza's physical rehabilitation system. The WHO estimates that more than 5,000 people—many of them children—have undergone limb amputations since the war began.
