Qatar FM Spox-Not Close To Gaza Ceasefire Deal, But Remain Hopeful

Wires carrying comments from a spox from the Qatari Foreign Ministry following the latest round of negotiations regarding hostages held by Hamas and the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza. Seems to offer somewhat contradictory comments. Says that Qatar is "cautiously optimistic about Gaza ceasefire talks, technical negotiations are ongoing," but then adding "We are not close to a Gaza ceasefire deal, but remain hopeful."

• Spox: "The next major objective of the Gaza ceasefire negotiations is to send a counterproposal to Hamas."
• Spox: An Israeli operation in Rafah will result in major destruction and 'atrocities' that have not been seen in the conflict.
• Confirms that Mossad director David Barnea has left Doha. This is despite his negotiating team asking for “a significant amount of time to conduct the negotiations so that it would be possible to improve the deal, and to deliver an outline that we can stand behind" according to Israel's Ynet.
• US President Joe Biden added to the voices warning against an IDF operation in the city of Rafah in a call w/ PM Benjamin Netanyahu on 18 March. Israel will send a team to Washington to discuss the matter with White House officials after US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the USwould not support a ground offensive in the city under any circumstances.