Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have announced a ‘bridging proposal’ aimed at de-escalating regional tensions and ending the war in Gaza. The proposal, presented during ceasefire negotiations in Doha, is said to be a path towards swift implementation of a deal that would see the release of Israeli captives and bring relief to the people of Gaza. The announcement follows recent fears of a regional war after the killing of a top Hezbollah commander and Hamas’s political chief.
While details of the proposal were not provided, it is said to build on a plan presented by US President Joe Biden in May. This plan includes a phased approach to ending the war, starting with a pause in fighting to enable the release of captives and prisoners, followed by a permanent ceasefire and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Hamas has expressed its commitment to a deal that would lead to a permanent ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized the need for ‘total victory’ in the conflict.
White House spokesperson John Kirby has described the talks in Doha as promising, and the mediators are determined to move forward in reaching a ceasefire agreement. The next steps involve continuing technical work on implementing the agreement, including arrangements for humanitarian provisions, hostages, and detainees.
Overall, the announcement of the bridging proposal reflects a significant step towards ending the war in Gaza and de-escalating regional tensions, with hopes for a lasting peace agreement in the near future.
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