Top diplomats from UK and France head to Israel amid critical ceasefire talks in Doha

Published August 15th, 2024 - 04:11 GMT
Crucial Doha talks
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (R) walks with France's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Stephane Sejourne ahead of their meeting in Beirut on August 15, 2024, amid regional tensions during the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip. AFP
Highlights
Ahead of his visit, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the critical nature of the current situation for global stability, stating that the coming days could determine the future of the Middle East.
Senior Israeli officials have labeled the Doha summit as the final chance to reach an agreement on Gaza.
The talks come as Gaza health officials report a death toll surpassing 40,000 after over ten months of conflict. The negotiations aim to end the violence in Gaza and secure the release of 115 Israeli and foreign hostages.

ALBAWABA- Channel 12 Hebrew reports that the British and French Foreign Ministers are set to arrive in Israel tomorrow to discuss efforts to prevent regional escalation and advance a prisoner exchange deal. 

Ahead of his visit, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly emphasized the critical nature of the current situation for global stability, stating that the coming days could determine the future of the Middle East.

Cleverly expressed deep concern over the devastating situation in Gaza, particularly highlighting the attack on the Tabeen school as evidence that Palestinians have no safe place. 

He also underscored the ongoing talks as a crucial opportunity to secure an immediate ceasefire that protects civilians in Gaza.

Senior Israeli officials have labeled the Doha summit as the final chance to reach an agreement on Gaza.

 Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department has refrained from setting a deadline for the negotiations, though they acknowledge broad agreement on the framework proposed by President Biden in May. However, gaps remain, and efforts are focused on resolving the fighting in Gaza.

The latest round of ceasefire talks began in Doha on Thursday afternoon, with key figures including Israel's spy chief, U.S. and Egyptian counterparts, and Qatar's prime minister in attendance. 

The talks come as Gaza health officials report a death toll surpassing 40,000 after over ten months of conflict. The negotiations aim to end the violence in Gaza and secure the release of 115 Israeli and foreign hostages.

The situation is further complicated by rising tensions with Iran, which has threatened retaliation against Israel following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31. 

The U.S. has deployed warships, submarines, and warplanes to the region to protect Israel and deter potential attacks. While the White House confirms that talks have officially begun, they caution that a resolution is unlikely on Thursday and will likely continue into Friday.

 Hamas officials, accusing Israel of stalling, did not attend the talks but are expected to be consulted by mediators following the meeting. 

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