US, Qatar and Egypt call for Gaza truce talks to resume without ‘excuses’ or ‘further delay’

The leaders of the United States, Qatar and Egypt on Thursday called for Israel and Hamas to resume negotiations in either Doha or Cairo next week to overcome differences over a ceasefire deal.

In a joint statement, the three mediators invited the warring parties to resume talks on August 15 "to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay."

The letter signed by Qatar's emir and the presidents of the U.S. and Egypt said a framework agreement was "now on the table, with only the details of implementation" left to conclude.

"As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties," it said.

Qatar has been engaged in months of behind-the-scenes negotiations, with support from Egypt and the U.S., in efforts to reach a truce in Gaza and a hostage release deal.

A prospective cessation of hostilities has centered around a phased deal beginning with an initial truce.

Recent discussions have focused on a framework outlined by U.S. President Joe Biden in late May which he said had been proposed by Israel.

The latest framework agreement "is based on the principles" previously outlined by Biden, the statement said.

"The time has come to conclude the ceasefire and hostage and detainees release deal," it added, saying "there is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay."

The latest announcement came after Hamas named Yahya Sinwar -- the alleged mastermind of the October 7 attack on Israel -- as its new leader, sparking fears the torturous negotiations have become even more difficult.

US officials have said on several occasions in recent weeks that a deal is close, while urging both Israel and Hamas to accept the current proposal which would lead to an initial six-week truce.

On Tuesday the White House said negotiations had "reached a final stage," in a readout of calls between President Joe Biden and the leaders of Qatar and Egypt, but did not elaborate.

Israel agrees to resume talks

Meanwhile, Israel agreed to resume Gaza ceasefire talks on August 15 at the demand of US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday.

"Following the proposal of the United States and mediators, Israel will on August 15 send a delegation of negotiators to the agreed place to conclude the details of implementing a deal," the office said in a statement.