The arrival of an Israeli delegation in Doha for discussions on new demands for a truce in Gaza has been postponed, a source with knowledge of the talks said Wednesday.
Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of discussions, the source told AFP that the meetings, which had been scheduled for Thursday, were postponed until early next week, without giving a reason.
Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, has been engaged in months of behind-the-scenes efforts to broker a truce in Gaza and a hostage-prisoner swap.
A proposed cessation of hostilities focuses on a phased approach, beginning with an initial truce.
Recent discussions have centered on a framework outlined by US President Joe Biden in late May, which he said had been proposed by Israel.
The same source previously said the Israeli delegation was expected to meet with Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss fresh Israeli demands for a deal, including control over the return of civilians to northern Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose office announced plans for the departure of a negotiating team to Doha at the end of last week, was in Washington on Wednesday to deliver a landmark speech to the US Congress.
Biden will meet Netanyahu on Thursday, the White House said, to discuss progress toward a ceasefire and a hostage release deal.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday that Sheikh Mohammed had a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
They discussed the “latest developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, as well as updates on joint mediation efforts to end the war in the region,” the statement said.
With AFP
