The latest round of negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, held in Doha, has concluded with a new proposal from the United States aimed at bridging the gaps between Israel and Hamas. US President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism, stating that a ceasefire agreement is ‘closer than ever,’ though he acknowledged that ‘we’re not there yet’. The talks, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, have been described as the most constructive in months by a senior Biden administration official.The negotiations will continue next week in Cairo, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken set to visit Israel over the weekend to work on finalizing the remaining differences. The US proposal, presented on Friday, is based on a roadmap outlined by President Biden in late May, which includes several phases for the cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attack in southern Israel.However, significant challenges remain. Hamas has rejected what it considers ‘new conditions’ from Israel included in the proposal. The group opposes maintaining Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip along the border with Egypt and granting Israel the right to veto the release of certain Palestinian prisoners. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that they hope international pressure will persuade Hamas to accept the agreement.The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with 90% of the population displaced and a severe crisis unfolding. The World Health Organization (WHO) has detected the poliovirus in environmental samples, prompting calls from UNRWA and UNICEF for a seven-day ceasefire to vaccinate over 640,000 children against the virus.As negotiations continue, the international community remains hopeful that a ceasefire can be achieved to alleviate the suffering in Gaza and reduce regional tensions. However, the complex nature of the conflict and the divergent positions of the parties involved suggest that reaching a final agreement may still require significant effort and compromise.
Key points
- US presents new proposal for Gaza ceasefire, with Biden saying agreement is ‘closer than ever’.
- Negotiations to continue in Cairo next week, with US Secretary of State Blinken set to visit Israel.
- Hamas rejects ‘new conditions’ in the proposal, while Israel remains cautious.
- Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens, with WHO detecting poliovirus and calls for vaccination ceasefire.
Contradictions👾While US officials express optimism about the negotiations, Hamas officials claim the US is creating a ‘false positive atmosphere’.
👾Biden states the ceasefire is ‘closer than ever,’ but Hamas rejects new conditions and Israel has not fully accepted the proposal.
