What role did Qatar and the US play in mediating the deal?

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Qatar and the US Played Pivotal Roles in Mediating the Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Qatar and the United States were instrumental in brokering the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, a complex phased accord that aimed to halt hostilities, facilitate the release of hostages, and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. The negotiations, described as tortuous and on-off, spanned months and involved intensive efforts by mediators from both nations, culminating in a breakthrough that was announced to take effect on Sunday.
Mediators Facilitated Initial Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange

The agreement, announced by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stipulated an initial six-week ceasefire. This initial phase included the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip. In parallel, Hamas was set to release hostages it had held, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. This exchange was designed to reunite captives with their families after prolonged periods of captivity, with specific provisions for women, children, and individuals over 50.
US Involvement Was Critical to Reaching the Accord

The United States played a significant role in supporting the mediation efforts. Notably, Steve Witkoff, Trump's Mideast envoy, was present in Qatar alongside White House envoys. A senior Biden administration official indicated that Witkoff's participation was crucial to finalising the deal after approximately 96 hours of continuous, intense negotiations. President Joe Biden stated that the negotiating teams had effectively "been speaking as one," with the Trump administration expected to largely oversee the implementation of the eventual accord.
Broader Diplomatic Support Backed the Negotiations

The months-long negotiations were conducted with the backing of the United States, building upon the groundwork laid by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Beyond the direct mediation, the agreement received welcoming statements from leaders and officials across various nations. This included Egypt, Turkey, Britain, Jordan, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations, underscoring a broad international interest in de-escalating the conflict and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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What role did Qatar and the US play in mediating the deal?

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