US, Egypt, and Qatar Work on Gaza Cease-Fire Deal

U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian intermediaries are finalizing a cease-fire deal aimed at ending the prolonged conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has persisted for over ten months. President Joe Biden announced a framework for the agreement on May 31, and subsequent negotiations have focused on bridging the remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas. Following three days of discussions in Doha, Qatar, on August 16, the involved parties indicated that a resolution is imminent. The proposed plan includes a phased approach, starting with a six-week pause in hostilities. During this initial phase, Hamas would release additional hostages taken during the conflict, while Israel would withdraw troops from key population areas. Concurrently, Israel is expected to release detained Palestinians and facilitate increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. The final phase of the agreement would involve Hamas returning the remains of any hostages killed during the fighting, alongside Israel permitting the reconstruction of Gaza. Despite some discomfort surrounding the deal, a senior administration official emphasized that the proposal aligns with the peace framework established by Biden and endorsed by the U.N. Security Council. While critics, including Israeli politician Bezalel Smotrich, have voiced opposition to the hostage exchange, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, remains committed to the negotiations. The acceptance of the proposal by Hamas remains uncertain, as their representatives did not participate in the recent talks. The issue of control over the corridor post-cease-fire is also unresolved, with indications that discussions are progressing positively.