Qatar announces that progress has been made in Gaza ceasefire talks, with ongoing mediation efforts aimed at "narrowing the differences" between Israel and Hamas.

The Gulf nation, Egypt, and the United States have been engaged in extensive negotiations for months, focusing on a captive-prisoner exchange and delivering crucial humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been severely impacted by conflict.

“There has been some advancement in the situation. We have maintained our continuous efforts over recent days,” stated Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at a press conference in Madrid alongside Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.

“Our endeavors persist, involving multiple meetings with the Hamas movement to close the gap between the factions and finalize an agreement for a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages and prisoners.”

Except for a seven-day ceasefire in November, which resulted in the release of over 100 Israeli hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners, there has been no cessation in hostilities since the conflict started in early October.

The negotiations hinge on a plan proposed by US President Joe Biden on May 31, which advocates for an Israeli pullback from key population centers in Gaza and an initial six-week ceasefire. This period could be extended to allow mediators more time to broker a lasting agreement.

“Negotiations are ongoing, though we have yet to reach an ideal solution that aligns closely with the current proposals,” remarked the Qatari prime minister.

“As soon as we reach a viable formula, we will communicate with the Israeli side to endeavor to close the gaps and secure an agreement as swiftly as possible.”