US, Qatar, and Egypt Highlight “Constructive” Ceasefire Negotiations in Doha

The United States, Qatar, and Egypt have announced a “bridging proposal” aimed at swiftly ending the Gaza conflict and facilitating the release of Israeli captives. The joint statement released on Friday highlighted that ceasefire negotiations in Doha have been “serious and constructive.”

The talks, which began on Thursday, follow heightened regional tensions after Israel’s killing of a top Hezbollah commander and the assassination of Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh. The new proposal builds on a plan presented by President Joe Biden in May, involving a phased approach to a ceasefire, beginning with a six-week pause in fighting. This pause would enable the release of Israeli captives in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel.

President Biden expressed optimism about the negotiations, stating they are closer to an agreement than previously. The White House confirmed that Biden discussed the progress with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.

Hamas has demanded a permanent ceasefire, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and a substantial prisoner exchange. Israel, while supportive of the ceasefire proposal, faces internal divisions and has accused Hamas of obstructing progress. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the White House emphasized the ongoing need for detailed implementation plans.