US President Joe Biden's administration said Monday it hoped Gaza peace talks could proceed as planned, and believed a ceasefire agreement was still possible.
Deputy State Department spokesman Vedant Patel said, “We believe there has been progress, but we need to finalize this agreement, continue to close and bridge some of the gaps. But we believe a deal is still possible, and that’s what we’re going to continue to work toward with the parties involved.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned the continued loss of life in the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip, urging both sides to return to and complete a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said.
“He also reiterated the need to ensure the protection of civilians, as well as free and safe humanitarian access to and across Gaza,” Haq said.
As the fighting continues, Hamas has been skeptical about a new round of legislation to be brokered by Egypt and Qatar on Thursday, saying it sees no signs of movement from the Israeli side.
The Palestinian militant group said Sunday that mediators should force Israel to accept US President Joe Biden's ceasefire proposal, which Hamas has accepted, “rather than conducting rounds of further negotiations or seeking new proposals that will protect its occupation aggression.”
Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in Moscow on Monday evening for an official visit, according to video footage released by state TV station Russia-24.
Abbas is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, August 13. (rd/day)
