CAIRO, 1st June, 2025 (WAM) - Egypt and Qatar continue to intensify their efforts to bridge differences and resolve outstanding issues in pursuit of a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, Cairo and Doha said in a joint statement on Sunday.

In their joint statement, Egypt and Qatar said these efforts are based on US envoy Steve Witkoff's proposal. They aim to pave the way for resuming indirect negotiations.

Egypt and Qatar, in coordination with the US, have reaffirmed their commitment to step up diplomatic efforts to overcome the obstacles facing the negotiation process.

The two nations have called on all parties to act responsibly and to support the mediators in their efforts to end the crisis in Gaza and ultimately restore regional peace and stability.

Furthermore, Egypt and Qatar hoped that mediation efforts would eventually lead to an agreement on a proposed 60-day temporary truce soon. They described the agreement as a stepping stone toward a permanent ceasefire.

"This would allow for an end to the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Strip, the opening of crossings, and the entry of humanitarian and relief aid to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza," the statement read.

Moreover, the two countries stressed that the ceasefire should constitute the foundation for a comprehensive end to the war. It should also signal the beginning of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, in line with the plan the Cairo Arab summit endorsed on 4 March 2025.

Witkoff's proposal offers a 60-day ceasefire with the staged release of 10 Israeli captives (four on day one, two on day 30, and four on day 60) and a phased return of Israeli bodies. However, the proposal does not guarantee extending the ceasefire beyond 60 days.