US floats new 'bridging proposal' for Gaza ceasefire talks, deal expected next week: Joint statement

On the second day of the Doha talks, Egypt, Qatar and the United States released a joint statement which stated that Washington has presented a new Gaza ceasefire proposal. The countries believed that the proposal intends to close the “remaining gaps” between Israel and Hamas. In light of this, senior officials from the mediating countries will now reconvene by the end of the week to work towards finalising a deal.

“Over the last 48 hours in Doha, senior officials from our governments have engaged in intensive talks as mediators aiming to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages and detainees. These talks were serious and constructive and were conducted in a positive atmosphere,” the joint statement released on Friday reads.

Joint Statement from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar#MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/A7myXPKsh3

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) August 16, 2024

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“The United States with support from Egypt and Qatar, presented to both parties a bridging proposal that is consistent with the principles laid out by President Biden on May 31, 2024 and Security Council Resolution No. 2735. This proposal builds on areas of agreement over the past week, and bridges remaining gaps in a manner that allows for a swift implementation of the deal,” the mediating party furthered.

The joint statement came hours after Israel told the United Kingdom and France that it is “on the cusp of striking a deal” with Hamas.

Mediators to convene next week

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In the joint statement, the officials noted that a working team will be formulated to continue with technical work regarding the proposal. The talks will resume next week in Cairo and the meeting will aim to “conclude the deal”.

“Working teams will continue technical work over the coming days on the details of implementation, including arrangements to implement the agreement’s extensive humanitarian provisions, as well as specifics relating to hostages and detainees,” the statement continued.

“Senior officials from our governments will reconvene in Cairo before the end of next week with the aim to conclude the deal under the terms put forward today. As the leaders of the three countries stated last week, ‘There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay,’” it added.

Why it matters? 

The world was monitoring the recent series of talks very closely because before fresh negotiations begin, Israeli officials have said this is “the last chance” to get a deal. The talks were also conducted amid regional tensions and threats by Iran and Hezbollah to attack Israel in retaliation for the recent assassinations of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders in Tehran and Beirut.

From the very beginning, the Biden administration has said that a hostage and ceasefire deal is key to de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and preventing a war spillover.

Meanwhile, a source connected to Hamas told Al Jazeera that the Palestinian group was briefed by the mediators about the talks and said that what is being presented now doesn’t coincide with what Hamas accepted on July 2.