The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have released a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage-release deal.
The statement indicated that the three nations had established a “framework agreement” with “only the details of implementation left to conclude.”
Israel has agreed to send negotiators to the proposed talks, which are tentatively scheduled for August 15 in Doha or Cairo. Hamas has not yet responded.
This renewed diplomatic effort is seen as an attempt to prevent regional tensions from escalating, following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh last week. Iran, blaming Israel for the killing, has vowed a response, although Israel has not commented directly on the incident.
In their joint statement, the three nations invited Israel and Hamas to restart talks on August 15 “to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay.”
“As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties,” it said.
The statement was signed by US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
It mentioned that the framework agreement was based on “principles” previously outlined by President Biden on May 31, which include initiating a full ceasefire and releasing a number of hostages. This agreement has also been endorsed by the UN Security Council.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a statement on Thursday evening, mentioned that he had spoken with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to brief him on changes to US forces in the region and to “reinforce my ironclad support for Israel’s defense.”
“I also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire deal in Gaza that releases the hostages,” he said.
Despite multiple rounds of talks, reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement has remained elusive.
Hamas is advocating for a ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the conflict will only end once Hamas is defeated.
On Thursday, Israel continued its bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense force reported that two schools were hit, resulting in the deaths of more than 18 people. The Israeli military countered that it had targeted Hamas command centers.
The prospect of future negotiations could be further complicated by Hamas’ decision to elect Yahya Sinwar as its new leader, succeeding Ismail Haniyeh. Sinwar, whom Israel accuses of orchestrating the October 7 attacks, is regarded as one of the group’s most radical figures.
Amid concerns about potential attacks from Iran or its allies, Israel’s security cabinet convened in an underground bunker on Thursday, as reported by Israel’s Channel 13, deviating from its usual meeting location.