In a joint statement released on Thursday, the three nations called for Israel and Hamas to "urgently resume discussions" on Aug. 15, either in Doha or Cairo, with the goal of "resolving remaining issues and promptly implementing the agreement without further delays."
The statement emphasized the need to finalize a ceasefire agreement and facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners, noting, "We have spent months working toward a framework agreement, which is now ready, with only the details of implementation left to be resolved."
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded quickly, announcing that Israel would send a delegation to the upcoming talks to finalize the agreement's details and move forward with its implementation.
However, Hamas, which governs Gaza, has yet to issue a response.
This joint statement comes after months of unsuccessful efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza. Since early October, Israel's military actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 39,699 Palestinians and injuries to 91,722 others.
The recent assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act widely attributed to Israel, has further complicated the prospects of continued negotiations. Haniyeh, a central figure in the ceasefire talks, was believed to be targeted by Netanyahu's government in an attempt to derail the peace process.
In their statement on Thursday, Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. stressed the urgency of providing immediate relief to the beleaguered people of Gaza and addressing the plight of hostages and their families. The statement, endorsed by U.S. President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatar's Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, concluded by stating that there is no time left for delays or excuses from any party.
