**Kirby: Sinwar Must Accept the War-ending Deal He Created**
John Kirby, the spokesperson for the U.S. National Security Council, stated that the commencement of negotiations in Doha is an encouraging step to bridge the gaps in the agreement, noting that discussions are currently focused on the details of implementing the Gaza agreement.
In an interview, Kirby emphasized that Hamas leader Yehya Sinwar must accept the deal to end the war that he caused, pointing out that Sinwar is the one who has placed the people of Gaza in an extremely difficult position and is the sole decision-maker in Hamas.
He also clarified that Washington expects difficult negotiations regarding Gaza and that both Israel and Hamas need to make concessions and work on finalizing the details. Kirby stressed that it is time to reduce tensions and escalation in the Middle East. He confirmed that Washington is working tirelessly to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and is confident that it can bridge the gaps and finalize the exchange agreement and ceasefire. The Biden administration is committed to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages.
In parallel, Kirby mentioned that the U.S. does not want to see a second front in the war between Israel and Lebanon and is aware that Iran’s potential response might involve its proxies in Yemen and Lebanon.
### Gaps Remain Significant
Earlier, a knowledgeable official confirmed the start of talks on Thursday in Doha aimed at reaching a ceasefire in the besieged Palestinian territory and an agreement with Hamas leading to the release of Israeli and Palestinian prisoners, according to Reuters. Israeli sources have suggested that the negotiations might last for two days, given that the gaps remain significant.
The Israeli delegation includes Mossad Chief David Barnea, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, the official responsible for intelligence efforts related to the prisoner file, Nitzan Alon, and the political advisor to the Israeli Prime Minister, Ofir Akunis, according to Israeli Channel 12.
The U.S. delegation is led by CIA Director William Burns, along with President Joe Biden’s Middle East advisor Brett McGurk. The Egyptian delegation is headed by Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel.
### Hamas “Monitoring and Observing”
Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Thursday that it has granted negotiators broad authority to reach an agreement that satisfies Israel. Hamas announced that it would not participate in Thursday’s session, awaiting the outcome of the discussions but might meet with mediators later.
A Hamas source indicated that the movement “will monitor and observe the progress of the negotiation round and whether the negotiation process is serious” on Israel’s part and “whether it is effective in implementing the latest proposal or if it is a continuation of Netanyahu’s procrastination.”
Another source confirmed that “the movement is interested in ending the war and reaching a deal and ceasefire agreement based on the proposal submitted last month,” referring to the proposal which includes three phases: a ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, provision of aid, and release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
### Serious Escalation
These negotiations coincide with a dangerous escalation in the region amid unprecedented Israeli-Iranian readiness. Since Israel’s assassination of Hamas’ political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in late July, Iranian officials have vowed a retaliatory response “inevitably forthcoming,” according to their statements. Hezbollah, also backed by Iran, has similarly emphasized the need to avenge the assassination of its leader Fouad Shukr in an Israeli raid in Harat Hraik in the heart of southern Beirut.
—by/radwa sherif ✏️✏️📚