US presents new Gaza ceasefire proposal that deals with remaining gaps, joint statement says

A joint statement from Egypt, Qatar and the United States says that the US has presented a Gaza ceasefire proposal to Israel and to Hamas that closes the remaining gaps between them. It says senior officials from the mediating countries will reconvene next week to work to finalize a deal.

The mediators describe the new document as a “bridging proposal,” indicating that gaps remain, although they say there are some new “areas of agreement” between the sides.

The statement is issued after negotiators met in Doha on Thursday and Friday in the latest round of ceasefire talks.

“Over the last 48 hours in Doha, senior officials from our governments have engaged in intensive talks as mediators aiming to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages and detainees. These talks were serious and constructive and were conducted in a positive atmosphere,” the joint statement begins.

“Earlier today in Doha, the United States with support from Egypt and Qatar, presented to both parties a bridging proposal that is consistent with the principles laid out by President Biden on May 31, 2024 and Security Council Resolution No. 2735. 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 says.

“Working teams will continue technical work over the coming days on the details of implementation, including arrangements to implement the agreement’s extensive humanitarian provisions, as well as specifics relating to hostages and detainees,” it continues.

“Senior officials from our governments will reconvene in Cairo before the end of next week with the aim to conclude the deal under the terms put forward today. As the leaders of the three countries stated last week, ‘There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay,'” the statement adds.