In a joint statement, the three countries urged Israel and Hamas to resume talks on August 15 “to fill all remaining gaps and begin implementing the agreement without further delay.”
“As mediator, if necessary, we stand ready to present a final bridging proposal to resolve any remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties,” it said.
The statement was signed by U.S. President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The framework agreement is based on “principles” previously outlined by President Biden, he said. May 31st, external – Begins with a complete ceasefire and the release of many hostages, approved by the UN Security Council, external.
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement Thursday evening that he spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galland to brief him on changes to the U.S. military presence in the region and to “reinforce our unwavering support for Israel's defense.”
“I also stressed the importance of concluding a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that would free the hostages,” he said.
Despite several rounds of talks, the task of reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement has so far proven elusive.
Hamas has called for a ceasefire, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the conflict can only end if Hamas is defeated.
On Thursday, Israel continued its bombing of Gaza. Gaza's Hamas-run civil defense unit said it attacked two schools, killing at least 18 people. The Israeli military said it struck a Hamas command center.
Any proposed talks could become even more difficult as Hamas has decided to elect Yahya Sinwar as its new leader, replacing Haniyeh.
Shinwar, who Israel has charged with planning and carrying out the October 7 attacks, is considered one of the group's most extreme figures.
Amid concerns about an attack by Iran or its allies, Israel's security cabinet met Thursday in an underground bunker instead of its usual meeting place, Israel's Channel 13 reported.
