America, Egypt and Qatar have launched a joint assertion calling on Israel and Hamas to renew negotiations over a ceasefire and hostage-release deal.
The assertion mentioned the three nations had cast a “framework settlement” that had “solely the main points of implementation left to conclude”.
Israel mentioned it might ship negotiators to the proposed talks, that are pencilled in for 15 August in Doha or Cairo. Hamas didn’t instantly reply.
The renewed diplomatic push will likely be seen as an try to cease regional tensions from spiralling uncontrolled, after Hamas’ chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated final week. Iran, blaming Israel, has vowed a response – although Israel has not commented straight on the killing.
In a joint assertion, the three nations invited Israel and Hamas to restart talks on 15 August “to shut all remaining gaps and begin implementation of the deal with out additional delay.”
“As mediators, if essential, we’re ready to current a ultimate bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation points in a fashion that meets the expectations of all events,” it mentioned.
The assertion was signed by US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
It mentioned the framework settlement was primarily based on “rules” beforehand outlined by President Biden on 31 Might – which might begin with a full ceasefire and the discharge of numerous hostages – and endorsed by the UN Safety Council.
US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin mentioned in a press release on Thursday night he had spoken with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to transient him on adjustments to US forces within the area and “reinforce my ironclad assist for Israel’s protection”.
“I additionally harassed the significance of concluding a ceasefire deal in Gaza that releases the hostages,” he mentioned.
Regardless of quite a few rounds of talks, the problem of reaching a ceasefire and hostage launch settlement has thus far proved elusive.
Hamas is pushing for a ceasefire, however Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mentioned the battle can solely cease as soon as Hamas is defeated.
On Thursday, Israel continued its bombardment of the Gaza strip. Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defence pressure mentioned it hit two faculties, killing greater than 18 folks. The Israeli navy mentioned it had struck Hamas command centres.
Any proposed talks could possibly be made much more troublesome by Hamas’ determination to elect Yahya Sinwar as its new chief, changing Haniyeh.
Sinwar, who Israel holds chargeable for the planning and execution of the 7 October assaults, is seen as one of many group’s most excessive figures.
Amid fears of an assault from Iran or its allies, Israel’s safety cupboard met in an underground bunker on Thursday, as a substitute of its ordinary assembly place, Israel’s Channel 13 reported.