US, Egypt and Qatar urge Israel and Hamas to resume talks

The United States, Egypt and Qatar issued a joint statement calling on Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations on a cease-fire agreement and the release of hostages.

The statement said the three countries had entered into a “framework agreement” that “only details how to implement it remain”.

Israel has said it will send negotiators to the proposed, written talks on August 15 in Doha or Cairo. Hamas did not immediately respond.

This renewed diplomatic pressure will be seen as an attempt to stop regional tensions from spiraling out of control, after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed last week. Iran, which Israel blames, has vowed to respond – although Israel has not directly commented on the killing.

In a joint statement, the three countries invited Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations on August 15 “to close all remaining gaps and begin the implementation of the agreement without delay.”

“As arbitrators, if necessary, we are willing to present a final proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties,” he said.

The statement was signed by US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Adel Fattah el-Sisi, and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

It said the framework agreement was based on “principles” previously described by President Biden 31 May – which will begin with a total armistice and the release of a number of hostages – and approved UN Security Council.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in a statement on Thursday evening spoke to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to inform him of the changes in the US military in the region and to “reinforce my support for the defense of Israel”.

“I also emphasized the importance of concluding an agreement to end the war in Gaza and release the hostages,” he said.

Despite many negotiations, the challenge of reaching an agreement to cease hostilities and release hostages proved difficult.

Hamas wants a ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the conflict can only end. once Hamas is defeated.

On Thursday, Israel continued to bomb the Gaza Strip. The security forces under Hamas in Gaza said that they hit two schools, killing more than 18 people. The Israeli military said it had struck Hamas facilities.

Any proposed negotiations could be further complicated by Hamas’ decision to select Yahya Sinwar as its new leader, replacing Haniyeh.

Sinwar, the Israeli who was involved in the planning and execution of the October 7 attack, is considered one of the leaders of the group. very bad statistics.

As there is fear of an attack by Iran or its allies, Israel’s security cabinet met in an underground place on Thursday, instead of the place where it usually meets, reported Channel 13 of Israel.