Negotiators trying to broker a ceasefire in Gaza have wrapped up their latest round of talks in Doha, Qatar, without a breakthrough. They said they presented both Israel and Hamas with a proposal, and they have pledged to continue their efforts.
The discussions were focused on putting an end to 10 months of fighting and securing the release of scores of hostages. Mediators from the US, Egypt and Qatar had started the talks on Thursday. They met with representatives from Israel, but none from Hamas were in attendance. Negotiators said the meetings were “constructive” and conducted in a “positive atmosphere.”
Mediators from the US presented a proposal that is consistent with one laid out by President Joe Biden in May. They said it builds on areas of agreement and bridges remaining gaps. Biden said an agreement is “much, much closer” than it was before the talks started.
Israeli officials offered their thanks to the US and other negotiators. Reuters reports that Hamas is taking a cautious stance, with a spokesperson saying the US is creating a false sense of optimism.
Mediators said they will meet again next week in Cairo to try and finalize an agreement.