Austin, Gallant discuss Iranian retaliation, Gaza ceasefire
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Amid ongoing talks, the US Secretary of Defense rushes to reassure the Israeli Security Minister of Washington's preparedness to defend "Israel" and protect US assets in the region.
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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant, during an arrival ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, June 25, 2024. (AP)
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin discussed potential Iranian retaliation against "Israel" and a possible ceasefire deal for the Gaza Strip with Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant on Friday, according to a statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder.
"Secretary Austin and Minister Gallant discussed regional instability and the growing risk of escalation from Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and Iran-backed terrorist groups across the Middle East," the statement said.
Austin reportedly told Gallant that the US is actively monitoring Iran for any potential military action against Tel Aviv and stressed that Washington is prepared to defend "Israel" and protect US assets in the region.
The two also discussed progress on a potential ceasefire deal between "Israel" and Hamas.
No breakthrough in Doha talks, 'Israel' clinging to its stance: Source
The Doha negotiations did not yield any developments as “Israel” is clinging to its positions, a senior Palestinian Resistance official told Al Mayadeen.
Moreover, a senior Hamas source pointed out that what the movement's leadership was informed of Friday regarding the results of the Doha ceasefire meetings does not include a commitment to what was agreed upon on July 2.
This follows a statement that senior officials from the governments of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt will reconvene in Cairo before the end of next week with an aim to conclude a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and a prisoner exchange deal between Hamas and "Israel".
Commenting on the talks, officials told AFP that Hamas will not accept "new conditions" from "Israel" in the proposal put forward during the talks in Doha.
An informed source highlighted that as part of the Israeli obstruction maneuver, "Israel" introduced "new" conditions, which include keeping troops inside Gaza along its border with Egypt, while Hamas, according to the source, demands "a complete ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from the Strip, a normal return of the displaced and a (prisoner) exchange deal" without restrictions.
"Israel" also demanded veto rights on the prisoners and detainees to be exchanged, as well as the ability to deport some of them rather than send them back to Gaza, the source said.
Meanwhile, the trilateral statement on Friday confirmed that over the last 48 hours in Doha, senior American, Qatari, and Egyptian officials engaged in intensive talks as mediators aiming to conclude an agreement.
"These talks were serious and constructive and were conducted in a positive atmosphere," the statement indicated.
It highlighted that the US, supported by Egypt and Qatar, presented to Hamas and "Israel" "a bridging proposal that is consistent with the principles laid out by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and Security Council Resolution No. 2735."
"This proposal builds on areas of agreement over the past week, and bridges remaining gaps in the manner that allows for a swift implementation of the deal," the three countries pointed out.
According to the statement, technical teams will continue working in the coming days on the implementation details, including arrangements for executing the agreement’s extensive humanitarian provisions and specific aspects concerning "hostages and detainees."
Elsewhere, the trilateral statement recalled what US President Joe Biden, Qatar's Emir Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stated last week: "There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages and detainees, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement."
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