On Thursday, leaders from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar called for Israel and Hamas to meet on August 15 to finalize a ceasefire and a hostage release deal for Gaza. The mediating countries proposed that the talks be held in either Doha or Cairo.

The leaders issued a joint statement stressing the need for urgency, noting that a framework agreement is ready with only implementation details left. They urged all parties to avoid further delays, saying, “It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement.” They also offered to present a “final bridging proposal” to resolve outstanding issues.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli negotiators would attend the talks to finalize and implement the agreement. Hamas has yet to comment.

The appeal for negotiations comes amid rising concerns about a potential wider conflict involving Iran following the recent deaths of senior Hamas and Hezbollah members. A senior U.S. official indicated that while an agreement might not be finalized by next week, progress is essential to address key issues, such as the timing of exchanges between Hamas and Israel. The official emphasized that the statement was not meant to influence Iran, but noted that any escalation could jeopardize the prospects of an agreement.

Iran’s UN mission reiterated its priorities: securing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and holding Israel accountable for the assassination of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Iran.

The Gaza conflict, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel, has resulted in substantial casualties. Israeli figures report 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken, while Gaza’s Health Ministry reports at least 39,699 Palestinian deaths during the Israeli military campaign, without distinguishing between fighters and civilians. The upcoming talks are viewed as a critical chance to end the violence and secure the release of hostages.