RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed the US, Egypt and Qatar inviting Israel and Hamas to resume Gaza ceasefire negotiations on Aug. 15, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said on Friday.

The Kingdom confirmed its complete support for the continued efforts of President Joe Biden, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and address the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in the territory.

The Kingdom stresses the need to stop the bloodshed, end the suffering, protect civilians, and move forward to end the Israeli occupation, achieve peace and security, and give the Palestinian people their full legitimate rights.

The following is the statement issued by the leaders of the US, Egypt, and Qatar on Thursday: 

“It is time to bring immediate relief both to the long-suffering people of Gaza as well as the long-suffering hostages and their families. The time has come to conclude the ceasefire and hostages and detainees release deal.

The three of us and our teams have worked tirelessly over many months to forge a framework agreement that is now on the table with only the details of implementation left to conclude. This agreement is based on the principles as outlined by President Biden on May 31, 2024, and endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2735.

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.

As mediators, if necessary, we are prepared to present a final bridging proposal that resolves the remaining implementation issues in a manner that meets the expectations of all parties.

We have called on both sides to resume urgent discussion on Thursday, August 15 in Doha or Cairo to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay.”