Egypt, Qatar announce receiving Hamas’s response to U.S. proposed deal in Gaza

CAIRO – 11 June 2024: Egypt and Qatar announce receiving Hamas’s response to the U.S. proposal regarding a ceasefire and prisoners swap deal in the Gaza Strip.

Egypt and Qatar confirmed that their joint mediation efforts with the United States will continue until an agreement is reached, as the mediators will study Hamas’s response and coordinate with all parties concerned regarding the next steps.

On May 31, US President Joe Biden proposed during a speech a comprehensive deal regarding exchanging prisoners and ending the war in Gaza. He explained that the proposal has three different stages.

The first phase of the proposed deal will be implemented over 6 weeks and includes a complete ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The first phase will also include the return of Palestinians and civilians in Gaza to their homes.

The second phase begins with the release of the remaining detainees and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and the third phase of the Israeli proposal includes a reconstruction plan for Gaza, according to Biden.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Cairo, on Monday at the start of a tour in the Middle East to work on reaching a truce in the Gaza Strip.

During his short visit, he met with President Abdel Fattah al Sisi.

The Spokesman for the Presidency said the meeting reviewed the latest developments pertinent to joint efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and exchange hostages and captives.

It was agreed to intensify these efforts during the current phase. The meeting also discussed Egyptian efforts to provide access to humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

 The President emphasized the importance of international cooperation to remove obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the necessity to end the war in the region, prevent the escalation of conflict, and move forward with the implementation of the two-state solution.

The US Secretary of State expressed the US administration's appreciation for Egypt's ongoing efforts on both the political and humanitarian tracks, and its commitment to continue working and coordinating between the two countries to restore security and peace in the region.