Qatar says Israel and Hamas are at the “closest point” yet to agreeing on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages

Qatar says it is hopeful that a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal could be agreed "very soon", with negotiators from Israel and Hamas beginning a "final stage" of indirect talks in Doha. Foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told reporters that major issues had been resolved in recent weeks and that drafts of a possible deal had been handed over to both sides.