Biden expresses optimism about Gaza ceasefire talks Amid uncertainty
US President Joe Biden has conveyed a hopeful outlook regarding the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip, which are taking place in Doha.
Speaking to reporters, Biden expressed cautious optimism, acknowledging that while the discussions are promising, several issues still need resolution. He refrained from providing specific details about the nature of his optimism, citing concerns over revealing too much information about the ongoing talks, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.
When asked about the potential timing of a ceasefire agreement, Biden indicated that it remains uncertain and contingent upon the successful resolution of outstanding issues.
While acknowledging that several issues remain unresolved, Biden remained hopeful about the prospects of reaching an agreement. However, he chose not to disclose the specifics of what fuels his optimism, noting that revealing such details could compromise the negotiations.
The latest round of negotiations, aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the release of hostages held by Hamas, commenced on August 15 in Doha. The discussions involved Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns representing the United States, and Abbas Kamel, the head of Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, leading the Egyptian delegation.
In a joint statement issued by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, as reported by Egyptian President’s spokesperson Ahmed Fahmy, the recent negotiations were described as having occurred in a "positive atmosphere." The parties involved agreed to hold their next meeting in Cairo by the end of the coming week.