Gaza: Israel has agreed to resume Gaza ceasefire talks on August 15, following pressure from US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Thursday. The decision comes amid escalating regional tensions fueled by the ongoing war.

The talks, aimed at negotiating a second truce in the 10-month-long conflict that began with Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, will focus on finalizing the details of a framework agreement. This prospective deal involves a cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages held in Gaza, and an increase in humanitarian aid.

The announcement follows deadly Israeli strikes on two schools in Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of over 18 people, according to Gaza's Hamas-controlled civil defense agency. Israel stated that the schools housed Hamas command centers.

The truce talks come at a critical time as tensions in the region are heightened by the recent assassinations of two militant leaders, actions blamed on Israel. Iran has accused Israel of seeking to expand the conflict to other countries but warned that Israel lacks the capacity to confront Iran directly.

Diplomatic efforts continue to defuse the situation, with international calls for calm and de-escalation growing louder. The upcoming negotiations in Doha or Cairo aim to bridge remaining gaps and implement a deal that could bring some respite to the war-torn region.