Qatar: 'We are not close to Gaza ceasefire deal, but remain hopeful'

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said on Tuesday that while a Gaza ceasefire deal was not yet close, there was cautious optimism an agreement would be reached. 

He said that Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea had left Doha, but technical talks were still ongoing. 

Ansari added that an Israeli ground operation in the southern city of Rafah would lead to major destruction and "atrocities" that have not been seen during the conflict.