Growing Pressure for Ceasefire Negotiations in Israel and Gaza

International pressure is mounting on Israel and the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas to resume negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip. US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Fatah al-Sisi, and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani have called for talks to continue on August 15th in Doha or Cairo.

Other countries, including Germany and the United Kingdom, have joined the call for peace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed Israel's willingness to resume negotiations.

However, expectations for a swift agreement are tempered, with much work still to be done. The recent escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran has led to the deployment of US F-22 stealth bombers to the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Israeli strikes have resulted in the deaths of Hamas fighters in Lebanon. The conflict in the Gaza Strip was triggered by a major attack by Hamas and other militant groups on Israel, resulting in the deaths of over a thousand people and the abduction of hostages.

In response, Israel has conducted massive military operations in the Gaza Strip. The international community is calling for an end to the violence and a return to negotiations for a lasting ceasefire.