U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed on Friday that reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza is very close.
Biden stated, “Reaching a deal on a truce in Gaza is closer than ever.”
He added during a celebration at the Oval Office, “We have not yet reached an agreement,” but noted that achieving a settlement is now closer “than it was three days ago.”
For its part, a Hamas official told Reuters, “The U.S. administration is trying to create false atmospheres and has no intention of stopping the war.”
In contrast, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth quoted an Israeli security official saying, “Israel has received the American proposal, which is completely unacceptable to Netanyahu (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu).”
Netanyahu’s office issued a statement saying that Israel’s fundamental principles are known to the mediators and the United States.
The statement added, “Israel hopes that the pressure from the mediators will lead Hamas to accept the principles set out on May 27, so that the details of the agreement can be implemented.”
On Friday, both the United States, Egypt, and Qatar issued a joint statement regarding the ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages.
The statement indicated that the talks were constructive and serious, conducted in a positive atmosphere, where the U.S., supported by Qatar and Egypt, presented a proposal that narrows the gaps between the two parties (Israel and Hamas).
The statement explained: “Over the past 48 hours in Doha, senior officials from our governments have engaged in intensive talks as mediators with the aim of reaching an agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees. These talks were serious, constructive, and conducted in a positive atmosphere.”
It added: “Earlier today in Doha, the United States, supported by the State of Qatar and the Arab Republic of Egypt, presented both parties with a proposal that narrows the gaps between them and aligns with the principles laid out by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and Security Council Resolution 2735.”
The statement continued: “This proposal builds on points of agreement achieved over the past week and addresses the remaining gaps in a manner that allows for the rapid implementation of the agreement.”
It emphasized that “technical teams will continue to work over the coming days on the details of implementation, including arrangements for comprehensive humanitarian aspects of the agreement, as well as those related to hostages and detainees.”
It concluded: “Senior officials from our governments will meet again in Cairo before the end of next week, hoping to reach an agreement based on the terms presented today.”
