The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have issued a joint statement urging Israel and Hamas to return to negotiations for a ceasefire and a hostage-release agreement. The statement announced that the three countries have established a “framework agreement” with only the “details of implementation” remaining to be finalized.

Israel has agreed to send negotiators to the proposed talks, which are scheduled for August 15 in either Doha or Cairo. Hamas has not yet responded to the invitation.

This renewed diplomatic effort is seen as an attempt to prevent escalating regional tensions following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh last week. Iran, blaming Israel for the killing, has vowed to retaliate, though Israel has not officially commented on the incident.

The joint statement, signed by US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, calls on Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations on August 15 “to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay.”

The mediators expressed their willingness to present a final proposal to bridge any remaining differences, ensuring that the expectations of all parties are met.

The framework agreement is based on principles outlined by President Biden on May 31, starting with a full ceasefire and the release of several hostages. This approach has also been endorsed by the UN Security Council.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of reaching a ceasefire agreement during a conversation with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. He reiterated the US’s support for Israel’s defense while stressing the need to conclude a deal that secures the release of hostages in Gaza.

Despite numerous rounds of negotiations, achieving a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement has remained challenging. While Hamas is advocating for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has maintained that the conflict can only end with Hamas’s defeat.

On Thursday, Israel continued its airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, with Gaza’s Hamas-run civil defense force reporting that two schools were hit, resulting in over 18 deaths. The Israeli military stated that its strikes targeted Hamas command centers.

The potential talks could be further complicated by Hamas’s recent decision to appoint Yahya Sinwar as its new leader, following the assassination of Haniyeh. Sinwar, who is held responsible by Israel for planning the October 7 attacks, is regarded as one of the group’s most hardline figures.

Amid growing concerns of an Iranian or allied attack, Israel’s security cabinet held its meeting on Thursday in an underground bunker, a departure from its usual location, as reported by Israel’s Channel 13.