An Israeli tank manoeuvres near the Israel-Gaza border, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Aug. 7, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Amir Cohen/File Photo)
Leaders of the United States, Egypt and Qatar on Thursday called on Israel and Hamas to meet for negotiations on Aug. 15 in order to finalize a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.
The three countries, which have been working to mediate an agreement, stated in a joint declaration that the talks could be held in either Doha or Cairo.
“A framework agreement is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude,” they said. “There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.”
The leaders also offered to present “a final bridging proposal” to resolve the remaining issues.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli negotiators would be participate. He said the aim is “to finalize the details and implement the framework agreement.”
There was no immediate comment from Hamas.
The statement came as a part of an effort by the three leaders to revive talks, amid growing fears of a possible broader conflict in the region involving Iran, after the killing of senior members of the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.
A senior U.S. administration official stated that there is no expectation for the agreement to be signed by next week, given serious issues that include the sequence of exchanges between Hamas and Israel. The official emphasized that movement would be needed from both sides to move forward.
The U.S. official clarified that the statement was not intended to influence Iran but emphasized that any escalation would jeopardize the chances of finalizing an Israel-Hamas agreement.
Earlier on Thursday, Iran’s mission to the United Nations stated it was simultaneously pursuing two priorities.
“First, establishing a durable ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of the occupiers from this territory,” the it stated, as well as “punishing the aggressor” for the July 31 assassination of former Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.
The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.
