Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt revealed in a joint statement that "technical teams will continue to work over the coming days on the details of implementing a proposal put forth by Washington, based on the points of agreement achieved last week, to bridge the remaining gaps in a way that allows for the rapid implementation of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza." The statement added: "The technical teams will continue to work on the implementation details, including arrangements for comprehensive humanitarian provisions of the agreement, as well as details related to hostages and detainees."
The three countries noted that "senior officials from our governments will meet once again in Cairo before the end of next week, hoping to reach an agreement in accordance with the conditions presented today." The Israeli newspaper "Yediot Ahronot" reported today, Friday, that "the Israeli negotiating delegation will return from Doha to Tel Aviv this evening." Israeli Channel 13, citing senior officials in the negotiating team in Doha, stated: "We have seen a significant reduction in the gaps between Israel and Hamas." The channel also quoted an Israeli official saying that "there are still gaps because the U.S. proposal did not address the pivotal issues of Netzarim and Philadelphia."
Negotiations in Doha to halt the assault on Gaza entered their second day, which Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman described in a phone call with Iranian Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri as "sensitive." Hamas emphasized that any negotiations should be based on the implementation of previously agreed terms.
