Joe McConnell
The United States, Egypt and Qatar issued a joint statement calling on Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
The statement said the three nations had forged a “framework agreement” that “only lacks the implementation details.”
Israel said it would send negotiators to the proposed talks, which were scheduled for Aug. 15 in Doha or Cairo. Hamas did not immediately respond.
The renewed diplomatic push will be seen as an attempt to prevent regional tensions from spiraling out of control, after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated last weekIran, blaming Israel, has promised a response, though Israel has not directly commented on the killing.
In a joint statement, the three nations called on Israel and Hamas to resume talks on August 15 “to fill all remaining gaps and begin implementing the agreement without further delay.”
“As mediators, if necessary, we are ready to present a final link proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a way that meets the expectations of all parties,” he said.
The declaration was signed by US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
He said the framework agreement was based on previously agreed “principles” outlined by President Biden May 31st – which would begin with a complete ceasefire and the release of a number of hostages – and supported by the United Nations Security Council.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday evening that he spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to brief him on changes in U.S. forces in the region and “reinforce my unwavering support for Israel’s defense.”
“I also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that frees the hostages,” he said.
Despite several rounds of talks, the challenge of reaching an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of the hostages has so far proved unattainable.
Hamas is pushing for a ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the conflict can only stop once Hamas is defeated.
Israel continued its bombardment of the Gaza Strip on Thursday. The Hamas-run Gaza Civil Defense Force said it hit two schools, killing more than 18 people. The Israeli military said it hit Hamas command centers.
Any talks could be made even more difficult by Hamas’ decision to elect Yahya Sinwar as its new leader, replacing Haniyeh.
Sinwar, whom Israel holds responsible for planning and executing the October 7 attacks, is considered a member of the group. the most extreme figures.
Due to fears of an attack by Iran or its allies, Israel’s security cabinet met Thursday in an underground bunker instead of its usual meeting place, Israel’s Channel 13 reported.
