Copy of Qatar Commits To Mediator Role; Says Talks "At Stalemate"

Wires reporting comments from Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani regarding the situation in Gaza. Says that Gaza ceasefire talks are "at stalemate", claiming that the IDF's Rafah operation "has sent things backwards." Claims that the fundamental difference between Israel and Hamas is on hostage release and the continuation of the war, and that there could be a deal "in a matter of days", but that there is "no clarity" from Israel on how to end the war.

• Al Thani says that "Qatar has not stopped negotiating between Israel and Hamas, despite challenges," and that "Qatar will continue to mediate between Israel and Hamas". These comments come a month after the PM claimedthat Qatar was reassessing its role in the mediations following accusations that 'point scoring' by politicians was undermining its position.
• Israel's ground offensive in Rafah continues to gain steam, with Israeli tanks moving into the eastern areas of the city earlier today. The IDF is also engaging in more intense fighting in northern Gaza, where Hamas battalions have regrouped and are offering stiff resistance to Israeli forces. With some of the most intense fighitng in months taking place, as the Qatari PM notes the prospect of a deal appears to be receding rather than advancing.