![Tens of thousands of protesters march through central London in solidarity with the Palestinian people and to demand an immediate ceasefire to end the war on Gaza on the 76th anniversary of Nakba in London, United Kingdom on May 18, 2024.[Wiktor Szymanowicz - Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AA-20240518-34606267-34606253-NATIONAL_MARCH_FOR_PALESTINE_ON_THE_76TH_ANNIVERSARY_OF_NAKBA_IN_LONDON.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Mediators in the Gaza ceasefire talks announced on Friday that they proposed a new plan to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas, Anadolu Agency reports.
“Over the last 48 hours in Doha, senior officials from our governments have engaged in intensive talks as mediators aiming to conclude the agreement for a ceasefire and release of hostages and details,” according to a joint statement by Egypt, Qatar and the US.
The statement described the discussions as “serious and constructive and were conducted in a positive atmosphere”.
The United States with support from Egypt and Qatar, presented to both parties (Israel and Hamas) a bridging proposal that bridges remaining gaps in the manner that allows for a swift implementation of the deal,” it said.
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The statement did not provide details of the new proposal but said that it is “consistent with the principles laid out by (US) President (Joe) Biden on 31 May, 2024 and Security Council Resolution No. 2735.”
The statement further noted that technical teams from Egypt, Qatar and the US will “work over the coming days on the details of implementation, including arrangements to implement the agreement’s extensive humanitarian provisions, as well as specifics relating to hostages and details.”
It also mentioned that senior officials from the three countries will “reconvene in Cairo before the end of next week with the aim to conclude the deal under the terms put forward today.”
Last week, the leaders of the three countries had said: “There is no further time to waste or excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages and details, begin the ceasefire and implement this agreement.”
On Thursday, crucial talks began in Qatar’s capital, Doha, to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas on a hostage exchange and a ceasefire in Gaza.
The negotiations involve US CIA Director, William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egyptian Intelligence Chief General Abbas Kamel, and Israeli Mossad Chief David Barnea.
Hamas has refused to participate in these talks, demanding that Tel Aviv adhere to the agreements made in July, based on a proposal backed by US President Joe Biden in May, which was initially accepted by Hamas, according to Israeli media.
Flouting a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire, Israel has faced international condemnation amid its continued brutal offensive on Gaza since a 7 October, 2023 attack by Hamas.
Since then, an ongoing Israeli offensive against the Gaza Strip has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians.
Over 10 months into the Israeli war, vast tracts of Gaza lie in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.
Israel is accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, whose latest ruling ordered it to immediately halt its military operation in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge from the war before it was invaded on 6 May.
READ: Hamas to stay out of Gaza truce talks but may meet mediators afterwards