A joint statement from the mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States says the ceasefire talks this week in Doha were “serious and constructive.”
It says both sides were presented with a proposal that “narrows the gaps between the parties” while being consistent with the “principles” laid out in the plan presented by President Biden in May.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan has told Al Jazeera that the Palestinian group, which is not directly participating in the Gaza ceasefire talks, has not received “positive signals” so far.
Hamas says information about the outcome of ceasefire talks in Doha doesn’t match with what was agreed to in the Biden proposal.
Hamas rejects new condition of keeping Israeli troops inside Gaza along its border with Egypt in proposed deal in Doha as it demands complete ceasefire and complete withdrawal from enclave, AFP reported citing Hamas officials.
At least 40,005 people have been killed and 92,401 wounded in Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
The full statement from Qatar, Egypt and US:
“Over the past 48 hours in Doha, senior officials from our governments have engaged in intensive talks as mediators with the aim of concluding an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees. These talks were serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere.
Earlier today in Doha, the United States, with the support of the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, presented to both parties a proposal that narrows the gaps between the parties and is consistent with the principles set out by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and Security Council Resolution 2735.
This proposal builds on the points of agreement achieved over the past week, and closes the remaining gaps in a manner that allows for the rapid implementation of the agreement.
Technical teams will continue to work over the coming days on the details of implementation, including arrangements for implementing the comprehensive humanitarian components of the agreement, as well as the components related to hostages and detainees.
Senior officials from our governments will meet again in Cairo before the end of next week, hoping to reach an agreement on the terms set out today. As the leaders of the three countries said last week, ‘There is no more time to waste and no excuses for further delay that can be accepted by any party. It is time to release the hostages and detainees, to begin the ceasefire, and to implement this agreement.’
The path is now clear to achieve this outcome, to save lives, to bring relief to the people of Gaza, and to calm regional tensions.
