A joint Egyptian-Qatari statement on the stalled ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip revealed coordination with the United States on an agreement to end the tragic situation in the Strip ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit next week.

This joint statement, the first of its kind since the mediation between Egypt and Qatar following the Gaza war on October 7, 2023, carried clear messages that there is no retreat from the mediation, and no alternative to the importance of proceeding with an agreement in coordination with Washington, according to the estimates of experts who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. They expect that matters will move towards the entry of aid only if Hamas does not accept a partial agreement proposed, as is being circulated in the media, by the United States during a meeting that may be imminent in Cairo.

One stop

A joint Egyptian-Qatari statement issued Wednesday stated that their mediation efforts are ongoing and consistent, based on a unified vision aimed at ending the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and alleviating the suffering of civilians by creating the appropriate conditions for achieving a comprehensive ceasefire. The statement stressed that “doubt, distortion, or media escalation will not succeed and will not deter them from continuing their joint efforts to end this war.”

Qatar announced in a statement last Sunday by the spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Majed Al-Ansari, its "rejection of inflammatory statements against it from Netanyahu's office," stressing that it "will continue to work in cooperation with Egypt and the United States to ensure an immediate ceasefire." This came a day after Netanyahu's office called on Doha to "stop playing both sides and decide whether it will stand with civilization or with the brutality of Hamas."

Dr. Tarek Fahmy, a political science professor specializing in Israeli and Palestinian affairs, believes that the joint statement between the two mediating states carries a clear message affirming their role and effectiveness in the negotiations. He also believes that they will continue to lead the negotiations process, unaffected by Israeli accusations, and are determined to continue the success of their mediation, which culminated in two previous truces in 2023 and 2025, and they are on their way to achieving a third.

In close proximity to this argument, Palestinian political analyst Dr. Abdul Mahdi Mutawa believes that the timing of the joint statement issued by Egypt and Qatar, prior to Trump's visit, is "an attempt to block Israel's efforts to obstruct the mediators' efforts with accusations." Qatari political analyst Saleh Gharib believes the statement is a message to Arab and international public opinion affirming the strength and effective role of the Egyptian-Qatari mediation, affirming its continuity despite Israeli accusations, and that it will not be able to derail the mediation before Trump's visit.

New proposal

The joint Egyptian-Qatari statement also affirmed that "their efforts are closely coordinated with the United States to reach an agreement that will end the humanitarian tragedy and ensure the protection of civilians." This comes days before Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Anticipation continues ahead of his Tuesday statement that he will issue a very "positive" announcement before the tour, the content of which he did not specify.

This Egyptian-Qatari-American coordination comes a day after Palestinian sources revealed to Asharq Al-Awsat that “a new round of negotiations will begin in Cairo in a few days, possibly at the end of this week or the beginning of next, in an attempt to reach an agreement on a truce before or with Trump’s arrival in the region.” The sources noted that “the mediators are trying to propose an agreement that includes the release of half of the Israeli detainees in exchange for a truce that will last for months, with American guarantees for a final agreement after that to end the war.”

Saleh Gharib expects Trump's visit to the region to include a discussion on the Gaza crisis, given clear Arab demands for a definitive solution to the crisis. He predicts the US president will likely call on Israel to halt the killing, allow in aid, and reach a final solution that ends the hostage crisis and meets the demands of the Palestinian resistance.

Fahmy believes that "the Egyptian-Qatari statement suggests there is a new proposal brewing behind the scenes in coordination with Washington. Initial information indicates it is an American proposal presented within the past 48 hours and is under consideration. We believe it will be a last-minute agreement, prepared before or with Trump's arrival."

According to Mutawa's estimations, "The American vision, which preliminary information indicates was sent to Egypt, will be a last-minute agreement if the potential Cairo meetings succeed in passing it after consultations." He also suggested a temporary truce would likely occur, followed by negotiations on a final agreement.

Despite cautious optimism about the possibility of an agreement, Hamas remains committed to concluding a comprehensive agreement. Political Bureau member Bassem Naim said Wednesday that "there are desperate attempts ahead of Trump's visit to the region, through the crime of starvation, the continuation of the war of genocide, and the threat of expanding military action, to achieve a partial agreement that would return some Israeli prisoners in exchange for a limited number of days of food and drink."

In statements reported by Agence France-Presse, Naim affirmed that "Hamas and the resistance factions affirm their insistence on reaching a comprehensive agreement and a complete package, not a partial agreement."

If Hamas maintains its position, Mutawa believes the alternative would be arrangements for the delivery of aid. He dismisses the possibility of Trump bringing about a final agreement, given the lack of American pressure on Netanyahu and the lack of time to conclude such a deal before the visit.