The Qatari government confirmed on Tuesday that Israel and the Islamist group Hamas “They are not close to an agreement” on a ceasefire in the Gaza Stripas part of the Israeli army’s offensive against the enclave.

“We are not close to reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. but we are still optimistic“Said Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Mayed al-Ansari, as reported by Qatari television. Al Arabi.

Al-Ansari stressed that efforts to reach an agreement were “reinforced” to mark the start of Ramadan on Sunday, although he acknowledged that “the situation on the ground is difficult.”

“We look forward to the US role in pressure on Israel in negotiations“He added before confirming contacts with Washington to reach a ceasefire agreement and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.

In this sense, Al-Ansari emphasized that the authorities Qatar “will facilitate the delivery of aid through the sea corridor to Gaza”although “this does not replace the delivery of aid through land border crossings,” the TV channel reports Al Jazeera.

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Countries participating in the negotiations as mediators expressed hope that this could be achieved agreement before the start of Ramadan, which was ultimately impossible due to the distance between the parties’ positions. A delegation sent by Hamas to Cairo left the city last week for “consultations.” The group said it would continue negotiations.

The Israeli army launched an offensive on the Gaza Strip after the attacks October 7, which left 1,200 people dead and 240 kidnapped.. Gaza authorities have since reported the death about 31,200 peopleresulting in 415 deaths in the West Bank and East Jerusalem due to Israeli security forces and attacks by Israeli settlers.

(according to Europa Press)