Assassination Threatens Gaza Ceasefire: Qatar and Egypt Warn

Qatar and Egypt stated that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh could jeopardize Gaza ceasefire efforts. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani criticized continued civilian targeting, and Egypt highlighted the dangerous escalation by Israel. Haniyeh's assassination adds complexity to ongoing mediation efforts.

Qatar and Egypt, serving as mediators in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, warned on Wednesday that the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh could endanger efforts to secure a truce in Gaza.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani expressed concerns on social media, stating, "Political assassinations and continued targeting of civilians in Gaza while talks continue leads us to ask, how can mediation succeed when one party assassinates the negotiator on the other side?" He added, "Peace needs serious partners & a global stance against the disregard for human life."

Egypt's foreign ministry echoed these sentiments in a statement, condemning what it termed Israel's "dangerous escalation policy," which it said was undermining ceasefire efforts. The ministry noted that the recent escalation coincided with a stall in Gaza ceasefire negotiations, complicating the situation and reflecting a lack of Israeli political will to de-escalate.

The assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran, following the killing of a Hezbollah commander in Beirut by Israel, has raised fears of broader regional conflict. Qatar condemned the assassination as a dangerous escalation, with both Qatar and Egypt stressing that such actions threaten their mediation efforts aimed at ending the war and alleviating Palestinian suffering.

Despite Haniyeh not being directly involved in day-to-day ceasefire talks, his death compounds the challenges faced by negotiators, including Khalil Al-Hayya, who remains central to the process. Meanwhile, Egypt's new Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who was in Qatar discussing the Gaza crisis, had to address the implications of Haniyeh's assassination with Qatari officials.

(With inputs from agencies.)