Cyprus fully supports the joint effort by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to get both sides of the war in Gaza to meet next week and resume talks on a ceasefire and release of hostages. President Nikos Christodoulides stated on Friday that he, “fully endorses (the statement by) Presidents Joe Biden, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Gaza.
“An agreement for ceasefire and release of hostages is now more critical than ever. As an integral partner of the region, Cyprus will continue to exert every effort and assist towards this end,” he said.
Later on Friday, Christodoulides had a telephone conversation with the President of Egypt, saying the two leaders discussed the recent developments in the region and in particular the urgent need to avoid further escalation and complete the ceasefire agreement, the release of hostages and prisoners. President Christodoulides reiterated his deep concern regarding the dire situation in Gaza, expressed his regret for the civilian casualties, and underlined the important and continuous mediating role of President Al-Sisi in reaching a ceasefire agreement.
According to an announcement, Christodoulides “underlined the readiness of Cyprus to implement its role as a humanitarian hub in times of need, always in accordance with the principle of its policy to be part of the solution and with the aim of promoting conditions of peace and stability.”
No Time to Waste
On Thursday, President Biden, President el-Sisi, and the Qatari Emir released a statement in an effort to jump-start stalled hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas and called on both sides to meet on August 15 in either Doha, Qatar, or Cairo.
“There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement,” the three leaders stated.
“As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced early Friday that Israel will send a delegation. “Pursuant to the proposal by the US and the mediators, Israel will – on 15 August – send the negotiations team to a place to be determined in order to finalize the details of the implementation of the framework agreement,” the statement read.
There was no immediate response from Hamas, despite a report by Israel’s Channel 12 that the group’s new political leader, Yahya Sinwar, is — under pressure from Hamas military commanders in Gaza — seeking a cease-fire agreement as soon as possible. Channel 12 analyst Ehud Yaari cited Hamas sources as saying that Sinwar has said to pursue a deal, regardless of any military engagement from Iran or its proxies against Israel.
Meanwhile, Israelis — as well as Iranian and Lebanese citizens — continue to live in a state of limbo, with little light shed by their leaders, as the threat of attacks against Israel by the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies drags on. Reports indicate that Hezbollah would likely initiate a first round of attacks, while Iran remains undecided on the nature of its attack.
The Biden administration continues to try and talk Tehran out of launching a major attack on Israel, warning the new government that “there is a serious risk of consequences for Iran’s economy and the stability of its newly elected government if it goes down that path.” The Wall Street Journal also cited officials as saying that an Iranian attack — if it happens — could take place this weekend.
