By Ibrahim Khazen
DOHA, Qatar (AA) - Qatar said Tuesday that mediation efforts aimed at establishing a cease-fire in Gaza are ongoing, expressing optimism for an agreement amid intensified violence.
"The efforts are ongoing, and we hope for a breakthrough," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said at a press conference in Doha, following a recent round of talks hosted by Qatar.
Hinting at significant progress in aligning perspectives and working toward a shared language in negotiations, he declined to offer specific details or comment on the negotiations’ content.
A recent round of talks in Qatar has included discussions between Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea, CIA Director William Burns, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, with Sunday’s session reportedly focused on a potential deal with Palestinian resistance group Hamas involving prisoner exchanges and a cease-fire.
According to Israel’s Channel 12, Israeli sources reported progress on a recently revised framework for an agreement, though specifics remain undisclosed.
When asked about the timing of the next round of cease-fire talks, the spokesman said: "A date cannot be confirmed at this time, however, many contacts are underway.”
He also highlighted Qatar’s broader efforts in "parallel pathways to reduce escalation in Lebanon and bring an end to the Gaza war," adding that Qatar is coordinating with partners in Egypt and the US, sharing ideas "in pursuit of a sustainable cease-fire."
Israel estimates that some 101 captives are still being held by Hamas in Gaza, some of whom are believed to have been already killed by indiscriminate Israeli airstrikes across the densely populated enclave.
Mediation efforts led by the US, Egypt, and Qatar have so far failed to yield a cease-fire in Gaza, but Washington maintains that Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Oct. 18 may lead to a breakthrough in talks.
Hamas, however, says the conflict will end when Israel stops its military campaign in the blockaded enclave, which has killed over 43,060 people since last year.
*Writing by Mohammad Sio