Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli negotiators will be participating in talks aimed at finalising the details of a framework agreement for a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. The negotiations, set to take place in either Doha or Cairo, follow efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar to mediate the agreement.
While Hamas has not yet commented on the upcoming talks, the three mediating countries emphasized the urgency of finalizing the deal, warning that there is “no further time to waste nor excuses for delay.” The leaders of the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have offered to present a “final bridging proposal” to resolve any remaining issues.
A senior US administration official noted that the agreement is not expected to be signed by next week due to ongoing concerns about the sequencing of exchanges between Hamas and Israel. However, the official stressed the need for progress from both sides to move forward with the agreement.
The talks, scheduled for August 15, are part of a broader effort to de-escalate tensions in the region, especially following the recent killings of senior members of Hamas and Hezbollah, which have raised fears of a wider conflict involving Iran.