Ceasefire efforts, talks with Hamas ongoing: Qatar

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said that ceasefire talks were still ongoing, and that his country "continues its efforts, in cooperation with regional and international partners, to end the war in Gaza and prevent the spread of violence".

"Qatar is working towards an agreement on a ceasefire and the exchange of prisoners and detainees, currently reviewing responses from all parties and coordinating with relevant partners on the next steps," he said in a joint news conference with Spain's foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares.

He added that bridging the gaps with Hamas was a natural process in negotiations, as solutions should be built on compromises between parties.

Qatar's foreign ministry said in a statement that the country's officials held "successive meetings with Hamas leaders in recent days to bridge gaps and reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of prisoners and hostages".

"Efforts are still ongoing, and reaching a suitable and acceptable formula will mark the beginning of communication with the Israeli side to bridge the gaps and reach an agreement as soon as possible".