Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Talks End On Positive Note, Despite Hamas’ Absence

Ceasefire negotiations in the Israel-Gaza war concluded Friday, though some details in the last-ditch peace effort still need to be worked out, according to a joint statement published by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt.

Negotiations kicked off Thursday in Doha, reportedly without a representative for Hamas present. Senior officials will reconvene in Cairo next week to help finalize the agreement, the statement said.

The talks, which the statement described as “intensive,” aimed to reach an agreement for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and Palestinian “detainees.” The potential new proposal comes after multiple failed negotiations and increasing tensions in the region, and with Hezbollah and Iran’s promised retaliatory attacks on Israel looming. 

“This proposal builds on areas of agreement over the past week, and bridges remaining gaps in the manner that allows for a swift implementation of the deal,” the statement read. 

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Working teams will address the “technical work” for the agreement’s implementation, including details for humanitarian provisions and specifics for the release of hostages and Palestinian detainees.

“There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay,” the statement added. “It is time to release the hostages and detainees, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement declaring hopes that Hamas will cave to pressure and agree to a deal that secures the release of Israeli hostages.

“Israel appreciates the efforts of the United States and the mediators to dissuade Hamas from its refusal to agree to a deal for the release of the hostages,” Netanyahu’s office said.

President Joe Biden addressed the developments in the Oval Office on Friday, stating that an agreement is closer than it has been so far.

“We are closer than we have ever been…we may have something but we’re not there yet, but much, much closer than it was three days ago,” he said.

President Biden on ceasefire effort in the Middle East: “We are closer than we have ever been…we may have something but we’re not there yet, but much, much closer than it was three days ago.” pic.twitter.com/yyEWrILGvV

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