US will work with Egypt, Qatar ‘to fill the gaps in truce proposal’

CAIRO – 12 June 2024: US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan confirmed that the changes proposed by Hamas to the ceasefire proposal are “minor,” according to al Qahera news channel

Sullivan added that the United States will work with Egypt and Qatar ‘to fill the gaps in the truce proposal.’

Egypt and Qatar announced on Wednesday that they received 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.