People inspect the damage at the site of an Israeli strike that targeted a house in the Nuseirat camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip. AFP
In their joint statement, Egypt and Qatar said these efforts are based on US envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal. They aim to pave the way for resuming indirect negotiations.
Egypt and Qatar, in coordination with the US, have reaffirmed their commitment to step up diplomatic efforts to overcome the obstacles facing the negotiation process.
The two nations have called on all parties to act responsibly and to support the mediators in their efforts to end the crisis in Gaza and ultimately restore regional peace and stability.
Furthermore, Egypt and Qatar hoped that mediation efforts would eventually lead to an agreement on a proposed 60-day temporary truce soon. They described the agreement as a stepping stone toward a permanent ceasefire.
“This would allow for an end to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Strip, the opening of crossings, and the entry of humanitarian and relief aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza,” the statement read.
Moreover, the two countries stressed that the ceasefire should constitute the foundation for a comprehensive end to the war. It should also signal the beginning of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, in line with the plan the Cairo Arab summit endorsed on 4 March 2025.
Witkoff’s proposal offers a 60-day ceasefire with the staged release of 10 Israeli captives (four on day one, two on day 30, and four on day 60) and a phased return of Israeli bodies. However, the proposal does not guarantee extending the ceasefire beyond 60 days.
On Saturday, Hamas presented its response to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff’s latest ceasefire proposal.
Hamas’s proposal includes, among other things, releasing 10 Israeli living captives and 18 bodies in exchange for an “agreed-upon” but unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas announced earlier that it accepted a general framework proposed by Witkoff.
Short link: