US, Egypt, Qatar intensify push for Israel and Hamas to resume cease-fire talks

United States President Joe Biden, along with the leaders of Egypt and Qatar, stepped up efforts to get Israel and Hamas back to the negotiating table for peace talks.

In a joint statement issued late Thursday, the three leaders urged the two sides to return to negotiations on Thursday, Aug. 15, “to close all remaining gaps” on a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.

“It is time to bring immediate relief both to the long-suffering people of Gaza as well as the long-suffering hostages and their families,” the three leaders said in the statement. “The time has come to conclude” the cease-fire, along with deals for releasing hostages and detainees, according to the statement.

“As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties,” the leaders wrote.

The deal would be based on a three-phase proposal outlined by Biden in May and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

The first phase would include a complete cease-fire in Gaza for six weeks, with Israeli forces withdrawing from all populated areas of the enclave. The two warring sides would begin negotiations and exchange a number of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and the return of bodies of Israelis killed by Hamas. Civilians would be allowed to return to their homes throughout Gaza, and humanitarian aid would be greatly increased.

If the negotiations take longer than the planned six weeks, the cease-fire would continue for as long as necessary, according to the proposal.

The second phase would see a permanent end to hostilities in exchange for the release of all Israeli hostages still in Gaza and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the enclave.

Finally, in the third phase, a major, multi-year reconstruction plan would begin in Gaza. 

“There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay.  It is time to release the hostages, begin the cease-fire, and implement this agreement,” the leaders stated.