Russian Forces Fight to Fend Off Cross-Border Raid in Kursk

Renewal of Gaza Cease-Fire Efforts by US, Egypt, Qatar amid Rising Tensions

August 9, 2024 TruthUSA

President Joe Biden, along with his counterparts in Egypt and Qatar, is urging Israel and Hamas to resume cease-fire talks, proposing a meeting on August 15.

President Joe Biden made a renewed plea for a cease-fire in the Israel–Hamas conflict on August 8, joined by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

“It’s time to provide immediate relief to the suffering people of Gaza and the hostages and their families,” stated the three leaders in a joint statement after 10 months of conflict in Gaza.

“The moment has come to finalize the cease-fire and hostages and detainees release agreement.”

Biden, together with the Egyptian and Qatari leaders, reiterated that the ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire follow a three-phase proposal announced by Biden on May 31. Despite some setbacks in the negotiations, progress was signaled by the Biden administration in July.

Negotiations faced uncertainty following the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in an explosion during a visit to Iran on July 31. While no responsibility was claimed for his death, Iranian and Hamas officials blamed Israel and the United States, leading to increased tensions in the region.

Although there have been no major Iranian attacks, there has been an escalation in skirmishes with Iran’s regional partners.

The U.S. Department of Defense attributed a recent attack on the Asad Airbase in Iraq to an Iran-backed militia group, resulting in injuries to U.S. troops.

Haniyeh’s death was preceded by Israel claiming responsibility for an airstrike that killed a top Hezbollah commander in Lebanon, further escalating tensions in the region.

Despite the risks, Biden and his counterparts expressed readiness to bridge gaps in negotiations quickly.

“As mediators, we are prepared, if necessary, to propose a final bridging agreement that addresses remaining implementation issues to satisfy all parties’ expectations,” the leaders stated.

The joint statement concluded by calling for both sides to resume discussions on the potential deal in Egypt or Qatar on August 15 without further delay.

Hamas appointed Yahya Sinwar to replace Haniyeh as its leader on August 6; Sinwar is seen as a key figure behind previous attacks.

Following Sinwar’s appointment, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized Sinwar’s role in the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire.

Israel continues its efforts to locate and eliminate Sinwar while supporting the peace efforts.

The U.S. State Department also supports bringing Sinwar to justice while encouraging him to accept the proposed ceasefire agreement.

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