Qatar says they 'not near' a Gaza ceasefire deal

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said that his country remains hopeful despite the absence of a hostage and ceasefire deal in the near future.

“We are not seeing both sides converging on language that can resolve the current disagreement over the implementation of a deal,” he said in a press conference.

He added that while parties are trying to reach an agreement during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, he is unable to offer a timeline as the situation remains “very complicated on the ground”.

He also said Qatar is trying to establish a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, rather than Israel's request for a temporary one.