A joint statement from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States confirmed today, Friday, that Washington has proposed a ceasefire in Gaza that narrows the gaps between the parties and aligns with the principles set by U.S. President Joe Biden and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735. This statement followed meetings of negotiators in Doha on Thursday and Friday, marking the latest round of ceasefire talks.
Later, a senior Biden administration official stated that the Doha negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and an agreement to release hostages are among the most constructive discussions held by the parties in months. He added that negotiators believe an agreement is ready to move forward, although some work still needs to be completed.
Israeli Channel 12 reported that a political source stated, "We are close to a final agreement, and the disputes revolve around two issues: the Philadelphia axis and the system for screening returnees to the north." According to the Americans, the control of the Rafah crossing will be managed by a Palestinian party other than "Hamas."
Israeli estimates indicate — according to Channel 12 — that it could either be a prisoner exchange deal or a response from Iran that could lead to a regional war. Israel will send another delegation to Cairo on Sunday as part of the hostage talks, ahead of another high-level summit in Doha next weekend, according to Channel 12.
Israeli Broadcasting Authority reported that informed sources indicated the Doha talks were positive, but there is currently no breakthrough. Officials stated, "We proposed suggestions regarding the Philadelphia axis and the return of Gaza residents to the north without achieving a breakthrough."
According to the authority, Netanyahu held political consultations on how to pass the hostage deal within the coalition. Channel 13 noted that the Mossad director presented a map during the Doha talks showing a significant reduction of military presence in the Philadelphia axis. It indicated that "Israel showed flexibility regarding the Philadelphia axis, but Cairo made it clear that Hamas is demanding a complete withdrawal from it."
Hamas Position
Hamas leader Sami Abu Zuhri stated, "The U.S. administration is trying to promote false positive atmospheres and does not have any seriousness regarding stopping the war, but aims to buy time." In the organization's first comment on the talks, a Hamas leader told Reuters that "what was communicated to the movement today regarding the results of the Doha ceasefire meetings does not include a commitment to what was agreed upon on July 2."
A senior source indicated that the Israeli delegation "set new conditions in the context of its obstructive approach, such as insisting on maintaining military forces in the border area with Egypt, the Philadelphia axis, and demanding the right to veto the names of prisoners and remove other prisoners outside Palestine," emphasizing that "Hamas will not accept anything less than a complete ceasefire, total withdrawal from the strip, a normal return for the displaced, and an unconditional prisoner exchange deal."
Blinken to Israel
In another context, Axios reported through Israeli officials that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will arrive in Israel on Sunday. The reporter noted that Blinken will meet with Netanyahu on Monday. He added that Blinken may visit Cairo and Doha.
