The leaders of the US, Egypt and Qatar are pushing to finalise long-running talks on a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, saying “there is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay”.
The joint statement from the leaders on Thursday comes as Washington is pressing Tehran to avoid a massive retaliation for assasination attacks on Hizbollah and Hamas leaders in Beirut and Tehran. Both militant groups have accused Israel of orchestrating the killings.
The US has been warning Tehran that a significant attack on Israel risks tipping the region into full-blown war, which could scuttle the delicate ceasefire discussions and create problems for Iran and its new government.
US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani called on Israel and Hamas to resume urgent discussions in Doha or Cairo to close remaining gaps and “commence implementation of the deal without further delay”.
