While ambiguity still surrounds the negotiations that took place yesterday and earlier in Doha regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, amidst Washington's efforts to finalize a new truce agreement by the end of next week, at the conclusion of the anticipated talks in Cairo, a joint French-British statement was released.
**A Very Close Danger**
The two countries announced that the Middle East is now facing a risk of conflict more than ever before, pointing to tensions with Iran and escalation in South Lebanon. They stated in a statement today, Saturday, that they urged Iran and its proxies to retract their threats, emphasizing support for efforts to reach a swap agreement and calm in Gaza.
They also asserted that only a two-state solution can bring about a just peace for Israelis and Palestinians. They stressed that everyone has a stake in the stability of the region as a whole, and all share a specific responsibility to support ending current escalation and ensuring lasting peace in favor of both Israelis and Palestinians, and the entire region.
Moreover, they confirmed that all parties must push for de-escalation now, while supporting efforts for a ceasefire and an agreement for the release of prisoners in Gaza led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. They emphasized that the situation can no longer tolerate wasting any opportunities that could end the Israeli war on the besieged sector, which has been ongoing for 10 months.
This joint statement came as U.S. officials revealed that President Joe Biden is seeking to conclude an agreement aimed at reaching an accord on Gaza by the end of next week, while also trying to deter Iran and Hezbollah from launching an attack on Israel that could undermine these efforts.
Additionally, one knowledgeable official confirmed that the prisoner swap agreement and ceasefire in the Palestinian sector are ready for implementation, according to Axios, as reported today, Saturday. The official explained that the new proposal raised during the Doha negotiations is the best possible at this time, adding that it ensures the release of detainees and alleviates suffering in Gaza.