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New Delhi: During the second day of discussions in Doha, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar issued a joint statement revealing that the US has introduced a new proposal aimed at bridging the gaps between Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. This development is seen as a crucial step towards finalizing an agreement, with senior officials from the mediating countries expected to reconvene by the end of the week.
The joint statement highlighted that the last 48 hours of talks in Doha were marked by serious and constructive discussions. "The United States, supported by Egypt and Qatar, presented a bridging proposal consistent with President Biden’s principles outlined on May 31, 2024, and Security Council Resolution No. 2735," the statement read. This proposal aims to build on agreements reached over the past week, addressing remaining differences and paving the way for the swift implementation of a ceasefire deal.
Joint Statement from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/A7myXPKsh3
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) August 16, 2024
Officials confirmed that technical teams will continue working on the details of the proposal, particularly focusing on the humanitarian provisions and issues related to hostages and detainees. The next round of talks is scheduled to take place in Cairo next week, with the goal of finalizing the agreement. "There is no further time to waste nor excuses for delay," the statement added, reflecting the urgency felt by all parties involved.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani spoke on the phone with acting Iranian foreign minister and briefed him on the Gaza deal talks. This was the second phone call between them in the last two days. The Qatari foreign ministry said al-Thani stressed to his…
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) August 16, 2024
The outcome of these negotiations is being closely watched, especially as Israeli officials have indicated that this could be the 'last chance' for a deal. The talks occur amidst heightened regional tensions, with threats from Iran and Hezbollah to retaliate against Israel for recent targeted assassinations in Tehran and Beirut. The Biden administration has emphasized that a ceasefire and hostage deal are critical to de-escalating the situation and preventing further conflict in the Middle East.
Biden told reporters in the Oval Office that "we are closer to a deal than we have ever been". He stressed he doesn't want "to jinx it" but added "we might have something there". Biden added: "we are not there yet, but we are closer than we were three days ago" https://t.co/X93cRNDNSy
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) August 16, 2024
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