Israel and Hamas urged to show ‘more commitment’ to ceasefire talks

Gaza has been engulfed in conflict since October (Mohammed Dahman/AP)

A senior Qatari official has urged both Israel and Hamas to show “more commitment and more seriousness” in ceasefire negotiations, as pressure builds on both sides to move towards a deal that would set Israeli hostages free and bring potential respite after almost seven months of war in Gaza.

It came as Israel still promises to invade Gaza’s southern city of Rafah despite global concern for hundreds of thousands of Palestinians sheltering there, and as the sides are exchanging proposals surrounding a ceasefire deal.