US, allies push for Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal next week
International mediators, led by the US, are making a concerted effort to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.
A fresh proposal was presented to both parties in Qatar on Friday, aiming to resolve the remaining disputes.
The “bridging proposal” is designed to address the disagreements that have hindered progress in the negotiations, according to a joint statement from the US, Qatar, and Egypt.
US President Joe Biden expressed optimism, stating, “We are closer than we’ve ever been.”
The talks, which occurred amid heightened tensions over a potential Iranian attack on Israel, have significantly improved the chances of reaching an agreement.
Biden noted that the prospects of a deal are “much, much closer than it was three days ago.”
The proposal builds on the progress made over the past week and aims to quickly implement the deal once agreed upon.
While Israel has not explicitly endorsed the proposal, it has expressed appreciation for the mediators’ efforts.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) emphasized Israel’s essential principles and hopes that international pressure will lead Hamas to accept the terms.
Hamas has not yet responded to the latest proposal, maintaining its stance that no agreement will be reached without the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
The death toll in Gaza has reached 40,000 since the conflict began, underscoring the urgency of the talks.
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Senior officials from the US, Qatar, and Egypt are scheduled to meet again in Cairo next week with the goal of finalizing the deal.
A regional diplomat familiar with the negotiations mentioned that key sticking points include Israel’s restrictions on movement within Gaza, its demand for veto power over which Palestinian prisoners would be released, and its presence at strategic border points.
The international community is closely watching as the deadline for reaching an agreement approaches, hoping for an end to the ongoing violence in Gaza.
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