The Doha summit on the truce in Gaza closed: the work of the US, Egypt and Qatar negotiators continues
The meeting in Doha concluded, but talks for a truce in Gaza continue. Differences over control of the corridors between Gaza and Egypt remain unresolved, while Iran's indirect involvement grows.
The Doha summit on the truce in Gaza closed: the work of the US, Egypt and Qatar negotiators continues.
The Doha summit, organized to discuss the truce in Gaza and the release of the hostages, has concluded, but the negotiations between the United States, Egypt, Qatar and the other parties involved are far from over. Further meetings and a new summit are expected in the coming days, as reported by several Israeli sources. The main points of divergence that emerged concern the control of the Philadelphia corridor, located between Gaza and Egypt, and the Netzarim corridor, planned for the return of inhabitants to the north of the Gaza Strip. These corridors represent crucial issues for the stability of the region and for the security of Israel.
According to reports from the Israeli website Ynet, the Israeli delegation is expected to leave Doha this evening, with a certain degree of optimism regarding the progress made in negotiations with Hamas. This optimism is based on an updated mandate that the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu conferred on the negotiating team.
However, the Israeli authorities reiterated their "red lines" which include stringent measures to prevent Hamas militants from crossing the Strip from south to north, the maintenance of Israeli forces along the Philadelphia corridor and the control of the Rafah border, which remains a sensitive point following the possible withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
At the same time, there was indirect involvement of Iran in the negotiations. The Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed Al Thani, after the first round of meetings in Doha, telephoned the Iranian Foreign Minister to update him on the developments of the negotiations and the need to maintain calm in the region, to allow negotiations to continue. This update was seen by commentators as an attempt to indirectly involve Tehran in the negotiations between Hamas and Israel. Joint diplomatic efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt aim to prevent Iran and Hezbollah from intervening in the conflict, putting at risk both the truce in Gaza and the release of the hostages.
During the discussions, the United States, Egypt and Qatar, which are acting as mediators, issued a joint statement saying they will continue to work on the details of the American proposal in the coming days. The statement expresses the desire to keep diplomatic channels open, with the hope of reaching a definitive agreement by the end of next week. The document states that the working teams will focus on the technical details of the implementation of the agreement, including humanitarian provisions and specific details regarding hostages and detainees. Senior officials from the three countries will meet again in Cairo before the end of next week to try to conclude the deal under the terms proposed at today's meeting.
The White House then released a specific statement, underlining the importance of the American proposal presented in Doha, with the support of Egypt and Qatar. This proposal, according to the White House, is consistent with the principles established by President Joe Biden on May 31, 2024 and with United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2735. The proposal builds on the agreements reached the previous week and aims to fill the gaps that still exist, in order to allow for a rapid implementation of the agreement. The United States is trying to find a balance between Israel's security needs and the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian population, with the ultimate goal of ensuring a lasting truce and the safe release of the hostages.
While the Doha talks represent a significant step towards resolving the conflict in Gaza, many sensitive issues remain unresolved. The situation on the ground remains tense, and the next few days will be crucial to understand whether the parties involved will be able to find an agreement that satisfies all the needs at stake. The joint efforts of the United States, Egypt and Qatar will continue, with the aim of reaching a solution that can ensure peace and stability in the region.
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