Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it continues to work on a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. However, it has acknowledged that the situation is highly challenging.
The US, acting under the mediation of Qatar and Egypt, tried to achieve a six-week ceasefire and the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This was intended to prevent the entry of Israeli troops into Rafah.
Intensive negotiations, conducted on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims, failed due to Hamas's demands for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and an end to hostilities.
