Doha: Qatari newspapers expressed concern in their Thursday editorials over the recent Israeli escalation, highlighting the mobilization of approximately 60,000 Israeli army reservists as part of a military plan to occupy Gaza. This development occurs as mediators work to present proposals and gather international and regional support for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspapers highlighted that the Israeli government is continuing its plans to separate the West Bank. On Wednesday, it approved the construction of thousands of colonial units in East Jerusalem and its surrounding areas, isolating it from its Palestinian surroundings with extensive settlements and cities linked to the occupation.
Al-Watan newspaper specifically warned about the Israeli escalation following the defense minister's approval to call up reservists, viewing this as a reluctance by Israel to engage with peaceful solutions despite mediators' efforts for a ceasefire. The paper noted that Hamas has informed mediators of its acceptance of a new ceasefire proposal, which is a vital step towards ending the violence against Palestinians in Gaza.
Hamas' agreement aligns with previous Israeli consensus, as highlighted by Al-Watan, indicating no justifiable delay from Tel Aviv. The paper emphasized the need for international community involvement to advance a peace process that ensures immediate ceasefire, humanitarian aid access, prisoner exchanges, and the reconstruction of Gaza.
Concluding its editorial, Al-Watan cited the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that the region faces a critical humanitarian crisis, and failure to reach an agreement could lead to unprecedented catastrophe.
Al-Sharq newspaper echoed these concerns, stressing the Israeli government's comprehensive war against Palestinians rather than engaging with Hamas' agreed proposal. The Israeli approval of a military plan to occupy Gaza and the building of colonial units in East Jerusalem were highlighted as part of broader efforts to segregate the West Bank.
Al-Sharq described these actions as colonial crimes and a test of the international community's commitment to international law, which deems Israeli settlements illegal. The newspaper urged the international community to take effective actions against these schemes and support Palestinian self-determination and sovereignty over territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.