"We need a ceasefire in Gaza now. That's the only way to save lives, restore hope for peace, and secure the return of hostages," von der Leyen wrote on X.

"Thus I strongly support the efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to help achieve the peace and stability the region needs."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Thursday the country had agreed to resume Gaza ceasefire talks on August 15 at the demand of US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators, as regional tensions skyrocket over the war.

After a week-long pause in November, US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators have endeavoured to secure a second truce in the 10-month-old Israeli war on Gaza.

In a joint statement Thursday, the three countries' leaders invited the warring parties to resume talks on August 15 in Doha or Cairo "to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay".

Israel's relentless bombardment and ground invasion have killed at least 39,699 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.