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President Biden issued a stern warning against actions that could undermine the ceasefire efforts. The Biden administration remains cautious of escalating tensions, particularly after a July 31 strike in Tehran, widely attributed to Israel, which killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh read more
 "Gaza ceasefire talks to resume next week amid Biden's warning against undermining truce efforts")
An Israeli tank manouvers near the Israel-Gaza border, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in Israel. Reuters
Negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas were paused in Doha on Friday (August 16), with parties agreeing to reconvene next week.
United States President Joe Biden acknowledged that while “we are closer than we have ever been” to a ceasefire and progress has been made, “we’re not there yet.”
In a joint statement, the mediating nations US, Qatar, and Egypt revealed that Washington had presented a new proposal designed to bridge existing gaps, building on points of agreement from the previous week.
The mediators said that they would keep working on the proposal, they said. “The path is now set for that outcome, saving lives, bringing relief to the people of Gaza, and de-escalating regional tensions,” they said in the statement.
Israeli and Hamas negotiators have been engaged in these talks for months, with the conflict resulting in over 40,000 Palestinian casualties, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry that does not distinguish between militants and civilians.
While Hamas was not directly involved in the latest round of talks, it has been kept informed of developments.
Hamas rejects new conditions
A senior Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq, told Reuters that Israel did not abide by previously agreed-upon terms, based on feedback from mediators.
Hamas also publicly rejected “new conditions” introduced by the US in the ceasefire plan.
Blame on Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for increased pressure on Hamas to adhere to the “May 27 principles” outlined by Biden.
However, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi placed the blame on Netanyahu for obstructing progress, urging international pressure “by everyone who wishes to see this through to completion”.
Biden issues stern warning
As US Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepares to visit the Middle East, President Biden issued a stern warning against actions that could undermine the ceasefire efforts.
The Biden administration remains cautious of escalating tensions, particularly after a July 31 strike in Tehran, widely attributed to Israel, which killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh who was involved in ceasefire talks. The US has also cautioned Iran against retaliatory strikes on Israel, fearing further escalation in the region.
With inputs from agencies
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English (US) ·