US President Joe Biden stated that reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is closer than ever, while mediators in the ceasefire talks held in Doha announced that the United States has presented a new proposal to bridge the gaps between Israel and the Palestinians. The next round of talks is expected to take place in Cairo, Egypt, next week.
On Friday, Biden emphasized that the prospect of a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza is “closer than ever.” Speaking on the sidelines of an Oval Office event, Biden remarked, “We haven’t reached an agreement yet,” but added, “The chances of a resolution are closer than they were three days ago.”
Qatar, Egypt, and the United States confirmed on Friday that senior officials from their governments had engaged in intensive negotiations in Doha over the past 48 hours, aiming to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of prisoners. The talks were described as “serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere.”
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that the Israeli negotiating team showed flexibility regarding the issue of hostages and prisoners. The United States has pledged to pressure all parties, particularly Tel Aviv, on the issue of the “Netzarim Axis” and to allow Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.
In a joint statement, the three countries noted that “on Friday morning in Doha, the United States, supported by Qatar and Egypt, presented a proposal to both sides that narrows the gaps between them and aligns with the principles set by U.S. President Joe Biden on May 31 and UN Security Council Resolution 2735.”
The statement explained that “this proposal builds on the points of agreement reached over the past week and addresses the remaining gaps in a way that allows for the swift implementation of the agreement.” It also confirmed that technical teams would continue to work on the implementation details, including arrangements for comprehensive humanitarian provisions and issues related to prisoners.
The statement highlighted that senior officials from the three governments will meet again in Cairo before the end of next week, hoping to reach an agreement based on the terms currently on the table.
The statement further emphasized, “As the leaders of the three countries mentioned last week, there is no more time to waste, and no excuses will be accepted from any party to justify further delays.” It added that it is time to release the prisoners, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.
The statement stressed that “the path is now paved to achieve this outcome, save lives, provide relief to the people of Gaza, and ease regional tensions.”
However, a Hamas representative expressed reservations about the outcomes of the recent round of talks. The representative indicated that “Hamas leadership received updates on the two-day negotiations in Doha,” noting that the proposals differ from those presented by U.S. President Joe Biden earlier this summer.
Sources informed “Al Ittihad” that Israeli military representatives would participate in negotiations in Cairo in the coming days regarding the “Philadelphia Corridor” and that Palestinian delegations would be consulted on resuming operations on the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. The sources also noted that no agreement has been reached regarding the withdrawal of the Israeli military from the “Philadelphia Corridor” in the coming weeks.
