US, Egypt and Qatar initiate urgent peace talks between Israel and Hamas
Photo: Mediator countries have initiated peace talks regarding the Gaza Strip (Getty Images)
Leaders of the USA, Egypt, and Qatar have called on Israel and Hamas leadership to meet for negotiations on August 15 to agree on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, reports Reuters.
The leaders of the three countries, who have been attempting to mediate the agreement, stated in a joint statement that the negotiations could take place either in Doha (Qatar) or Cairo (Egypt).
“A framework agreement is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude. 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 said.
They also proposed presenting a “final bridging proposal” to resolve the remaining issues.
This statement is part of the three leaders' efforts to initiate negotiations amid fears of a possible broader conflict in the region involving Iran following the killing of high-ranking Hamas and Hezbollah members last week.
No quick results anticipated
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the presence of Israeli negotiators at the meeting. According to him, the goal is to “finalize the details and implement the framework agreement..”
In contrast, a senior US administration official told the agency that no agreement should be expected before next week, given the serious issues with the sequence of exchanges between Hamas and Israel. The official noted that movement is needed from both sides of the negotiations.
No impact on Iran
The American official also said that the statement was not intended to influence Iran, but any escalation could jeopardize the hope for an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Meanwhile, Iran’s mission to the UN on Thursday, August 8, stated that it is pursuing two priorities at the same time. The first is establishing a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and removing occupiers from the territory. The second is “punishing the aggressor” for the killing of former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran on July 31.
Ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip
In May this year, US President Joe Biden proposed a peace plan to end the war in the Gaza Strip. It includes three stages and involves a ceasefire and the release of over 100 Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
In early July, an Israeli delegation completed peace negotiations regarding the Gaza Strip in Qatar.
Hamas had tentatively agreed to the US proposals. At the same time, the group rejected a key demand - a complete ceasefire by Israel before signing the agreement.
At the end of July, Biden and Netanyahu discussed a peace plan for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
