International Leaders Urge Urgent Talks for Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release

The U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have jointly called for Israel and Hamas to negotiate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release by August 15. Talks may occur in Doha or Cairo. While Israel has confirmed its participation, Hamas has yet to respond. Escalating tensions involving Iran complicate the situation.

Leaders from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have called upon Israel and Hamas to engage in negotiations on August 15 to finalize a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

The three nations, which have been mediating the negotiations, suggested Doha or Cairo as potential locations and stated that a framework agreement is in place pending final implementation details.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israeli negotiators would attend to finalize the agreement. Meanwhile, there was no immediate response from Hamas.

The call for talks comes amid concerns of broader conflict involving Iran following recent escalations in the region. A senior U.S. official noted that sequencing issues remain unresolved and that any severe escalation could jeopardize progress.

(With inputs from agencies.)