U.S., Egypt, and Qatar Push for Israel-Hamas Cease-Fire Talks Amid Rising Tensions

There will not be peace in the Middle East until Trump is back in office. In my humble opinion, but let’s entertain the supposed efforts at peace.

The leaders of the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have called on Israel and Hamas to resume cease-fire talks next week, with discussions potentially taking place in Doha or Cairo. Early Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel would participate in these talks.

BREAKING: Biden, Egypt, and Qatar issued a joint statement on Israel and Hamas to finalize a Gaza ceasefire: “We called on both parties to resume urgent talks on Thursday, August 15, in Cairo to bridge all remaining gaps and start implementing the agreement without delay.” pic.twitter.com/XHVMbC8Gwn

— HalalFlow (@halalflow) August 8, 2024

In a joint statement, President Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani urged both parties to urgently meet on August 15 to resolve remaining issues and begin implementing the cease-fire agreement without further delays. They emphasized the need for immediate relief for the people of Gaza, as well as for hostages and their families.

The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating previous cease-fire negotiations. This latest joint statement came shortly after the White House suggested that Israel-Hamas cease-fire talks were nearing an agreement, amid growing concerns about a broader Middle East conflict following recent assassinations of key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

The framework agreement under discussion is based on principles outlined by President Biden on May 31 and supported by U.N. Security Council Resolution 2735. Israel’s airstrike on Beirut on July 30, which killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr, and the assassination of Hamas’ Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran the next day have heightened tensions. Iran has accused Israel of Haniyeh’s killing.

If the cease-fire talks proceed as planned, CIA Director William Burns is expected to attend on behalf of the U.S. Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel will send a negotiation team to finalize the details of the framework agreement on the proposed date.

Yahya Sinwar, now the leader of Hamas’ political wing, appears to have taken over Haniyeh’s role as lead negotiator. Sinwar, who is believed to be hiding in Gaza’s tunnels, is also accused of orchestrating Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel.

🇺🇸🇪🇬🇶🇦 QATAR, EGYPT, AND U.S CALL FOR CEASEFIRE TALKS BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS

Is this a stall tactic to placate Iran and Hezbollah, who have been hell-bent on attacking Israel in response to assassinations?

Who knows… but their message is clear: MAKE A DEAL.

Qatar, Egypt,… https://t.co/dq984E2c3O pic.twitter.com/5pYVCBgb77

— ChoosyBluesy (@ChoosyBluesy) August 8, 2024

A National Security Council official noted that if talks occur on August 15, a final agreement is unlikely to be reached immediately, but there is optimism that remaining differences can be bridged. The official emphasized that both Israel and Hamas need to find a way forward.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed confidence on Wednesday, stating that the cease-fire negotiations are closer than ever, with only narrow gaps remaining. However, former Israeli negotiator Gershon Baskin expressed skepticism, suggesting that the White House’s comments might be an attempt to pressure Netanyahu into agreeing to a deal. Baskin added that he doubts Netanyahu will be swayed, given his current stance against President Biden.

Tensions between the U.S. and Israel have escalated this year due to Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in nearly 40,000 deaths since October 7, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry.

Netanyahu, during a visit to a military base, reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to both defensive and offensive operations, telling new recruits that Israel is moving forward to victory and prepared for a multi-front war. Baskin noted that significant progress on a cease-fire is unlikely unless Netanyahu changes his approach or Hamas leader Sinwar is killed.

⭕️ Qatar, Egypt, and US – joint statement calling for the implementation of an immediate ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with meeting on August 15th to finalize the details. pic.twitter.com/W3K1ob1cyX

— MenchOsint (@MenchOsint) August 8, 2024

Sinwar, considered Israel’s top enemy, has a long history of opposition to Israel and rose to power within Hamas after being released in a 2011 prisoner swap. Following Haniyeh’s death, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken publicly called on Sinwar to take responsibility for finalizing a cease-fire deal.

Major Points:

• The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have urged Israel and Hamas to resume cease-fire talks on August 15, with potential discussions in Doha or Cairo, and Israel has agreed to participate.
• The leaders emphasized the need for immediate relief for Gaza’s residents and for hostages, urging both sides to finalize the cease-fire deal without further delays.
• The call for talks follows escalating tensions in the Middle East, including recent Israeli airstrikes and assassinations of key Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.
• Yahya Sinwar, now leading Hamas’ political wing after Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination, is expected to play a key role in the negotiations, though he remains in hiding.
• Despite ongoing negotiations, U.S.-Israel relations are tense due to Israel’s continued military actions in Gaza, with nearly 40,000 reported deaths since October 7.

RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News