Hamas says any resumption of ceasefire talks about the conflict in Gaza should be based on previous plans rather than holding new rounds of negotiations.
Last week, international mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the US urged Israel and Hamas to attend negotiations on a ceasefire and hostage release deal on 15 August.
Israel responded on Thursday, saying it would send a team of negotiators to take part in the meeting.
Negotiations faltered last month after new terms were introduced to the framework presented by US President Joe Biden in May.
On Monday, the leaders of the UK, France and Germany issued a joint call for talks to resume, saying there “can be no further delay”.
UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz echoed the mediators’ call for ceasefire talks to resume in a joint statement.
“We agree that there can be no further delay,” the statement said.
“We have been working with all parties to prevent escalation and will spare no effort to reduce tensions and find a path to stability.”
The countries also called for the de-escalation of tensions in the Middle East which have risen since the assassination of senior members of Hamas and Lebanese group Hezbollah.
US Defence Secretary, Lloyd Austin confirmed on Sunday night that he had ordered the deployment of a guided missile submarine to the Middle East which will join the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, which is heading to the region.
Iran previously said it would respond to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh at the “right time” in the “appropriate” manner and that the US bears responsibility for his death because of its support of Israel.
BBC / Titilayo Kupoliyi
Subscribe to our Telegram and YouTube Channels and also join our Whatsapp Update Group
pub-5160901092443552
Related Posts
