CAIRO – 9 August 2024: The leaders of Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have issued a joint invitation to Israel and Hamas to participate in critical discussions on Thursday, 15 August, in either Doha or Cairo to negotiate a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. In the statement, Egypt, Qatar, and the US have offered their assistance in bridging any remaining gaps to meet the requirements of both sides. In November, a prisoner exchange brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US resulted in the release of about 100 Israeli captives in return for about 240 Palestinian prisoners. However, unrelenting Israeli strikes have led to the deaths of some of the roughly 100 captives still held in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced overnight Friday that Tel Aviv has agreed to resume Gaza ceasefire discussions on August 15 at the request of Egypt, Qatar, and the US.

Source: Egypt Today August 09, 2024 14:10 UTC