Leaders of the US, Egypt, and Qatar are urging Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal without further delay. They stated that a framework agreement is on the table, with only implementation details remaining. The talks could potentially take place in Doha or Cairo on 15 August. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that negotiators will attend to finalize the details and implement the agreement.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has issued evacuation orders to Palestinian residents in several districts in Khan Younis due to rocket attacks launched by militants. This has led to families fleeing towards overcrowded humanitarian-designated areas.
Tensions in the region have escalated following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, with fears of possible retaliation and broader conflicts. The joint statement by US, Qatari, and Egyptian leaders is not aimed at influencing Iran but rather at emphasizing the urgency of reaching a deal between Israel and Hamas.
A senior US official noted that there are serious issues to address in the negotiations, including the sequencing of exchanges between the parties. While there is no expectation for a signed ceasefire agreement by next week, progress on both sides is crucial. The official warned that any escalation could jeopardize the chance of reaching an agreement.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com
