Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have jointly called on Hamas and Israel to finalise an agreement based on principles outlined by US President Joe Biden on Friday.
“As mediators in the ongoing discussions to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar jointly call on both Hamas and Israel to finalise the agreement embodying the principles outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024,” the statement read on Saturday.
“These principles brought together the demands of all parties in a deal that serves multiple interests and will bring immediate relief to both the long-suffering people of Gaza and the hostages and their families,” the statement continued, adding that the deal offers a roadmap for a permanent ceasefire and an end to the crisis.
In a speech on Friday, President Biden outlined a three-phase proposal starting with a six-week complete ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would withdraw from all populated areas of Gaza.
The joint statement comes as Cairo is gearing up to host a new round of Egyptian-American-Israeli talks on Sunday to discuss the reopening of the Rafah border crossing, a high-level Egyptian source told Al-Qahera News TV channel on Saturday.
The statement followed separate calls by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry.
