US, Qatar and Egypt push urgent talks with Israel and Hamas on Aug 15

File picture [For Illustration]

Leaders of the United States, Egypt and Qatar on Thursday called on Israel and Hamas to meet for negotiations on Aug. 15 in order to finalise a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

The three countries, which have been trying to mediate a deal, said in a joint statement the talks could take place in either Doha or Cairo.

"A framework agreement is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude," they said. "There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement."

The leaders also offered to present "a final bridging proposal" resolving the remaining issues.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli negotiators would be there. The aim, he said, was "to finalise the details and implement the framework agreement."

There was no immediate comment from Hamas.

The statement came as a part of an effort by the three leaders to jumpstart talks, with growing fears of a possible broader conflict in the region involving Iran after the killing of senior members of militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

A senior US administration official said there was no expectation that the agreement would be signed by next week given serious issues that include the sequencing of the exchanges between Hamas and Israel. Movement was needed on both sides of the table, the person said.

The US official said the statement was not designed to influence Iran but that any escalation would jeopardise hope of getting an Israel-Hamas deal done.

Iran's mission to the United Nations said earlier on Thursday that it was pursuing two priorities simultaneously.

"First, establishing a durable ceasefire in Gaza and the withdrawal of the occupiers from this territory," it said, as well as "punishing the aggressor" for the July 31 assassination of former Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran.

According to Israeli tallies, the attack on Oct. 7 by Hamas on southern Israel, killed 1,200 people and 250 taken hostage to Gaza.

At least 39,699 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians.

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • The Agenda

    10:00am - 1:00pm

    Broadcasting every weekday, Georgia Tolley goes beyond the headlines to speak to government ministers, decision makers, analysts and local experts to find out how the news will impact those of us living in the UAE.

  • Afternoons with Helen Farmer

    1:00pm - 4:00pm

    Every weekday afternoon, Helen Farmer will help you to navigate the highs and lows of life in the UAE. Stay up to date with what’s happening and where to go.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Is There Sufficient House Supply In UAE

    Dubai’s current population is more than double compared to almost twenty years ago, which now stands at 3.7 million. Lots of families are also moving to the UAE now. So what does it mean for the property market?

  • Noon's First Female Delivery Driver

    Glory Ehirim Nkiruka is Noon’s first ever female delivery driver. In her first ever interview, she explained why she loves her job, despite the heat!