CAIRO: Leaders of the United States, Egypt and Qatar on Thursday called on Israel and Hamas to meet for negotiations on Aug 15 in order to finalise a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal.

The three countries, which have been trying to mediate a deal, said in a joint statement the talks could take place in either Doha or Cairo.

"A framework agreement is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude," they said. "There is no further time to waste nor excuses from any party for further delay. It is time to release the hostages, begin the ceasefire, and implement this agreement."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli negotiators would be there. The aim, he said, was "to finalise the details and implement the framework agreement."

There was no immediate comment from Hamas.

The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas' Oct 7 attack on southern Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

At least 39,699 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians.

  - Reuters