Overview

• US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Qatar’s prime minister on August 9 in Ibiza to negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage-release agreement
• The proposal under development calls for a complete Israeli pullout from Gaza, disarmament of militant groups, expulsion of senior Hamas leaders and establishment of a professional governing body
• Israel’s Security Cabinet has instructed the IDF to prepare for a ground offensive in Gaza City but Prime Minister Netanyahu indicated he could halt the operation if diplomatic progress continues
• Hamas disputed claims that it would disarm as part of a truce deal, insisting its weapons remain a legal obligation until Palestinian statehood is restored
• Foreign ministers from the UK, Australia, Germany, Italy and New Zealand publicly rejected Israel’s preparation for a Gaza City assault on humanitarian and hostage-safety grounds