Watan-Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have issued a joint statement today, Friday, following the Doha summit aimed at bridging the negotiation gaps between Hamas and Israel. The goal of the summit is to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and facilitate a prisoner exchange.

The statement reads:

• “Over the past 48 hours in Doha, senior officials from our governments engaged in intensive mediation efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of hostages and detainees. These discussions were serious, constructive, and took place in a positive atmosphere.
• Earlier today in Doha, the United States, with the backing of Qatar and Egypt, presented both parties with a proposal designed to reduce the negotiation gaps. This proposal aligns with the principles outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735.
• The proposal builds on the progress made over the past week, addressing the remaining gaps to enable the swift implementation of the agreement.
• Technical teams will continue working in the coming days to finalize the details of the agreement’s implementation. This includes arrangements for comprehensive humanitarian measures as well as matters related to the hostages and detainees.”

Senior officials from the three governments will reconvene in Cairo before the end of next week, with the hope of reaching an agreement based on the conditions set forth today. The leaders of the three countries emphasized last week: “There is no more time to waste, and no further delays can be justified by any party. It is time to release the hostages and detainees, initiate the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.”

The path is now clear to achieve this outcome, save lives, provide relief to the people of Gaza, and reduce regional tensions.

On Thursday, talks aimed at securing a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip resumed in Doha.

This new round of discussions was attended by the head of the Israeli intelligence agency, David Barnea, along with his counterparts from the United States, Bill Burns, and Egypt, Abbas Kamel. Also present was the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.