Qatar, which has played a central mediating role, said negotiations were still going on with Israelis and Palestinians to restore the truce, but Israel’s renewed bombardment of Gaza had complicated matters.

According to Reuters, an Israeli official in Washington said it was a “very high priority” to get as many hostages released as possible.

“And for that, under agreed terms, Israel is willing to give additional pauses,” the official said, while adding: “We can negotiate while we still fight.”

 The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (CR) speaks to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan (CL) prior to the opening ceremony of the COP28 summit at Dubai’s Expo City on Dec 1, 2023. — UAE Presidential Court via AFP
The Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (CR) speaks to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan (CL) prior to the opening ceremony of the COP28 summit at Dubai’s Expo City on Dec 1, 2023. — UAE Presidential Court via AFP

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