U.S. Engages in Renewed Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Talks in Cairo

Discussions regarding a potential cease-fire in Gaza resumed in Cairo on Thursday, confirmed a U.S. official. This effort features Brett McGurk, President Biden’s top advisor on the Middle East, who is part of a delegation working with Egypt and Israel.

The talks cover several critical issues, including the security of the Gaza-Egypt border, the Rafah crossing, and the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza as well as the Philadelphi corridor. In addition, CIA Director William Burns is expected to visit the region, with discussions possibly continuing through the weekend.

During a recent three-hour conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reported that Israel has tentatively agreed to a withdrawal plan. This plan reportedly outlines clear schedules and locations for IDF withdrawals. However, Netanyahu’s subsequent public remarks have raised doubts about the consensus.

While the specific details of the implementation remain complex, the U.S. is optimistic that its latest bridging proposal could initiate a breakthrough in the negotiations. Notably, on Thursday, Qatar was not involved in this particular segment of the talks, although it remains a participant in the overarching discussions.

The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt define their proposal as a cease-fire agreement that would commence with a six-week pause in fighting, which they refer to as Phase One. During this period, some hostages would be released alongside the liberation of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

Following this initial pause, discussions would transition toward establishing a lasting cease-fire, with additional incentives added, including the release of further hostages.

In essence, this bridging deal would initiate conversations between Israel and Hamas to explore an end to the conflict. Blinken has characterized the proposal succinctly: “hostages are released, prisoners are exchanged, and negotiations commence on conditions necessary for an enduring ceasefire.”

The Biden administration asserts that the framework presented by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt has already been tentatively accepted by Israel. Furthermore, President Biden had earlier shared the plan publicly in May, positioning this hostage and cease-fire agreement as a key aspect of the Biden administration’s strategy to de-escalate tensions in the region.

In related developments, the Qatari Prime Minister is reportedly scheduled to visit Iran on Monday. Earlier this week, Iranian officials indicated to CBS News their close monitoring of the negotiations, as they evaluate how to respond to the recent assassinations of prominent Hezbollah and Hamas leaders by Israel.

According to an emailed statement from the spokesperson for Iran’s Permanent Mission to the U.N., there is awareness of the need for a carefully measured response to prevent any ramifications that could disrupt ongoing cease-fire discussions.

Earlier this month, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield detailed several objectives outlined by President Biden during her statements to the U.N. Security Council. These included ensuring the release of all hostages, launching a vaccination campaign against polio, and restoring essential services such as water and electricity to displaced Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Additionally, she mentioned efforts to halt fighting in Lebanon.

During a meeting with the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, Thomas-Greenfield urged Hamas to commit to the proposed deal. She also called on Israel to cooperate with humanitarian organizations to distribute polio vaccines to vulnerable Palestinian populations, particularly children. Rising tensions in the West Bank prompted her to implore Israeli authorities to take action against violent Jewish settlers attacking Palestinian civilians, emphasizing the need for accountability.