Leaders of the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have issued a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to return to negotiations on the war in Gaza. They emphasized the need to address the remaining details of implementing a cease-fire and securing the release of hostages. The leaders stated that there is no time to waste and called for swift action from all parties involved.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has accepted the invitation to resume talks. President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Tamim al-Thani have scheduled the talks for August 15, to be held in either Doha, Qatar, or Cairo.
A senior U.S. official highlighted that only a few areas of disagreement remain between Israel and Hamas in terms of implementation. One key issue is the timing of a planned exchange of Palestinian detainees held by Israel and hostages held by Hamas.
The mediators have prepared a proposal to address the remaining issues and facilitate progress in the negotiations. Critics of Netanyahu have accused him of delaying the peace talks to end the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
There has been no immediate response from Hamas regarding the offer to resume talks. Tensions escalated in the region following the recent killing of a top Hamas political leader in Tehran, an incident believed to be linked to Israel. Despite the challenges, U.S. officials remain optimistic that Hamas can reengage in negotiations.
Hamas military chief Yahya Sinwar has assumed a leadership role within the group following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, who was overseeing the talks for Hamas. The State Department has indicated that other Hamas representatives are prepared to step in and continue the dialogue in the absence of Haniyeh.
