Global leaders urge Israel, Hamas to resume ceasefire talks

Leaders from the United States, Qatar and Egypt have jointly urged Israel and Hamas to resume ceasefire and hostage release negotiations on August 15.

In a letter signed by President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, it was stated that the framework for an agreement is prepared, with only final details pending.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will send a delegation for  negotiations likely in either Cairo or Doha.

Hamas has yet to respond to this call for negotiations.

The call for negotiations follows heightened regional tensions after Iran threatened retaliation over the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, which occurred after an Israeli airstrike near Beirut that killed a Hezbollah leader. 

The US has increased its military presence in the region, reaffirming its commitment to defend Israel.