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

Aug. 16, 2024, 2:54 p.m.

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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 past two days in Doha, senior officials from our governments have engaged in intensive talks as mediators, working towards finalizing an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees. These discussions were serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere,” the joint statement released on Friday reads.

A joint statement was released by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. #MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/A7myXPKsh3

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

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 groups will continue technical discussions in the coming days on the specifics of implementation, including arrangements for putting into effect the agreement's comprehensive humanitarian provisions, as well as details concerning hostages and detainees,” the statement continued.

Advertisement “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.

This is a developing story.