‘Cautious optimism’: Gaza ceasefire talks expected to continue on Friday
by Al Jazeera Staff
Newly resumed Gaza ceasefire talks are expected to continue on Friday, US and regional officials have said, amid efforts to defuse intensifying tensions across the Middle East.
White House spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday that negotiations were under way in Doha with the participation of officials from Israel, the United States, Qatar and Egypt.
“We do not anticipate coming out of these talks today with the deal,” Kirby said. “In fact, I’d expect the talks to continue into tomorrow. This is vital work. The remaining obstacles can be overcome, and we must bring this process to a close.”
Egyptian state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV also cited a senior Egyptian source as saying that the talks will resume on Friday. The Reuters news agency reported a similar account, citing an unidentified official briefed on the situation.
A journalist for the US outlet Axios reported that the negotiations will stretch for another day, as well, and that the Israeli delegation will remain in Doha on Thursday night.
The talks kicked off on Thursday as health officials in Gaza confirmed that the Israeli military has killed more than 40,000 Palestinians in the enclave since the start of the war, underscoring the horrific toll of the conflict.
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