Gaza ceasefire talks enter new round with low expectations. What's stopping the deal?

A new round of indirect negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to put an end to the devastating war on Gaza is set to begin on Thursday in Qatar.

But with a ceasefire proposal having been on the table for several months now, and with Hamas uncommitted to attending the latest round of talks, the chances of striking a deal appear marginal at best.

US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel told reporters on Wednesday that Washington has been assured by Qatar that Hamas will be represented at the talks.

"Our Qatari partners have assured us that there will be representation from Hamas," Patel said.

Reuters reported Wednesday that CIA director William Burns will attend talks and be accompanied by Brett McGurk, White House coordinator for the Middle East and Africa.

Read more: Gaza ceasefire talks enter new round with low expectations. What's stopping the deal?