By: ATN News
New York: In a joint statement issued today, the leaders of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have called for immediate action to resolve the ongoing crisis in Gaza and address the plight of hostages. The statement, signed by U.S. President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasizes the urgent need to finalize a ceasefire agreement and facilitate the release of hostages.
The statement outlines that a framework agreement has been prepared, aligning with principles set forth by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2735. The three leaders have emphasized that there is no further time for delays or excuses, urging the immediate commencement of the ceasefire and the release of detainees.
"We have worked tirelessly to bring this agreement to the table," President Biden stated. "It is now critical that all parties move forward without further hesitation."
As mediators, the leaders have indicated their willingness to present a final bridging proposal if necessary, to address any remaining issues in the implementation of the agreement. The next round of discussions is set to begin on August 15, with meetings potentially held in either Doha or Cairo, aimed at finalizing the details and initiating the agreement.
In a background press call, a senior U.S. administration official provided further insights into the negotiations. The official highlighted recent high-level discussions involving President Biden, Egyptian President el-Sisi, and Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim, which resulted in the joint statement. These discussions also involved strategic consultations on military deployments in the region, preparing for potential escalations involving Iran or Hezbollah.
The official acknowledged the significant remaining gaps in the agreement but expressed confidence that these issues could be resolved with continued negotiations. Emphasizing the urgency, the statement underscores the critical need to secure the release of hostages and implement the ceasefire to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The senior official also addressed concerns about the broader regional tensions, including the threat of an Iranian attack on Israel. While emphasizing the importance of the ceasefire agreement, the official clarified that the negotiations were focused on the Gaza situation and did not directly tie into the broader regional conflict.
As the international community watches closely, the hope remains that the upcoming discussions will lead to a successful resolution, bringing much-needed relief to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
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