Key mediator Qatar urges Israel and Hamas to do more to reach a cease-fire deal

A senior Qatari official has urged both Israel and Hamas to show “more commitment and more seriousness” in cease-fire negotiations. Qatar hosts Hamas headquarters in Doha and has been a key intermediary. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson told Israeli media that both Israel and Hamas have made decisions based on political interests and not with the good of civilians in mind. Pressure is building on both sides to move toward a deal that would free some hostages and bring a cease-fire in the nearly seven-month-long war in Gaza. A deal also might avert or delay an Israeli invasion of the southern city of Rafah.