Qatar, Egypt say Gaza truce talks paused for consultations, negotiations to resume

Qatar and Egypt confirmed Friday that the current pause in ceasefire negotiations over Gaza is a natural step meant for internal consultations, emphasizing that talks will resume in due course.

In a joint statement released by the Qatari Foreign Ministry, both countries, alongside the United States, reiterated their commitment to achieving a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.

“Qatar and Egypt continue their intensive mediation efforts to reach an agreement that ends the war in Gaza,” the statement read, stressing that any deal must ensure the protection of civilians and include a framework for the exchange of captives and detainees.

The ministry noted “some progress” had been made during the latest round of intense negotiations, which lasted three weeks. It added that suspending talks for consultation is a routine part of what it described as a “complex negotiation process.”

Qatar and Egypt also urged all parties and the international media not to be swayed by leaks that could undermine the mediation process, and called on global outlets to focus on the unprecedented suffering of civilians in Gaza rather than casting doubt on diplomatic efforts.