The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have issued a joint statement calling on Israel and Hamas to return to the negotiating table to finalize a ceasefire and hostage-release deal. The three nations announced they have reached a “framework agreement,” with only the final details left to resolve.
The proposed talks, scheduled for August 15 in either Doha or Cairo, have been welcomed by Israel, which confirmed it will send negotiators. Hamas has yet to respond to the invitation.
This renewed diplomatic effort is seen as a crucial attempt to de-escalate rising regional tensions following the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, for which Iran has blamed Israel. Though Israel has not officially commented on the incident, the assassination has raised fears of retaliation from Iran.
The joint statement, signed by US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasizes the urgency of the situation. “We invite Israel and Hamas to restart talks on August 15 to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay,” the statement reads. The leaders also expressed their readiness to present a final proposal to resolve outstanding issues if necessary.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed America’s support for Israel in a separate statement, while also highlighting the importance of concluding a ceasefire agreement that includes the release of hostages. Despite numerous rounds of discussions, an agreement has remained elusive, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting that the conflict will only end with the defeat of Hamas.
As tensions continue to rise, Israel intensified its bombardment of Gaza on Thursday, with reports of two schools being hit, resulting in over 18 casualties. The Israeli military stated that it targeted Hamas command centers.
The talks are further complicated by Hamas’ decision to appoint Yahya Sinwar as its new leader following Haniyeh’s assassination. Sinwar, who is held responsible by Israel for the October 7 attacks, is known as one of the group’s most extreme figures.
Amid fears of an Iranian retaliation, Israel’s security cabinet took the precautionary step of meeting in an underground bunker on Thursday, according to reports from Israel’s Channel 13.
