The United States, Qatar and Egypt on Friday (Aug 16) issued a joint statement putting forward a “bridging proposal” to end the war in Gaza and pave the way for the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. The mediators said that “serious and constructive” negotiations had taken place in Doha, Qatar’s capital city.
The talks began on Thursday (Aug 15) amid heightened regional tensions over the killing of a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut and Hamas’s political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this month.
“The path is now set for that outcome, saving lives, bringing relief to the people of Gaza, and de-escalation of regional tensions,” the three countries said. The details of the proposal were not made public but the joint statement said it was built on a deal suggested by US President Joe Biden.
Hamas rejects Israel’s conditions
Meanwhile, Hamas told news agency AFP on Friday that it will not accept “new conditions” put forward by Israel during talks in Doha.
Hamas demanded “a complete ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from the Strip, a normal return of the displaced and a (prisoner) exchange deal” but Israel was adamant about keeping troops inside Gaza along its border with Egypt.
Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Gaza truce talks: What lies ahead? | Gravitas
Israel also demanded veto rights for the prisoners to be exchanged.
What is the US-backed plan?
According to the peace plan suggested by the US, the war would be halted for six weeks in the first phase, accompanied by the release of some hostages held by Hamas and Palestinians detained in Israel.
The second phase would see the permanent end to the war as well as the release of all hostages.
The final part will involve the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, which has been reduced to rubble after months of assault by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
“Working teams will continue technical work over the coming days on the details of implementation, including arrangements to implement the agreements, extensive humanitarian provisions, as well as specifics relating to hostages and detainees,” the mediators’ joint statement said.
(With inputs from agencies)