Mediators Urge Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks on August 15 Amid Tensions Over Haniyeh's Death

Aug 9, 2024, 01:52 PM

Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are urging Israel and Hamas to resume ceasefire negotiations, with talks scheduled for August 15 in Doha. The mediators have been working for months to reach a framework agreement, with only implementation details remaining. The call for renewed talks follows the killing of Hamas's chief negotiator, Ismail Haniyeh, in an attack Iran blames on Israel. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation holds Israel responsible for the attack. The White House criticized Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich for opposing the hostage deal, stating his views could endanger Israeli and American hostages. The international community, including France, Spain, and Canada, supports the mediation efforts, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.