Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majid Al-Ansari pointed out today (Tuesday) to the talks related to the ceasefire in Gaza and the release of the hostages, saying that there is some cautious optimism, but it is still too early to talk about an agreement or any breakthrough in the crisis.

The Qatari official added that technical contacts are still taking place at this stage, and warned against Israel launching an operation in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, confirming that this would lead to great destruction and unprecedented “atrocities” in the war.

Al-Ansari also said that a timeframe cannot be determined to reach an agreement in Gaza, pointing out that the next main goal of the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza is to send a counter-offer to Hamas.

According to a report by the Qatari newspaper “Al-Araby Al-Jadeed,” Egyptian officials stated this morning that after yesterday’s Al-Shifa Hospital operation, Yahya Sinwar considered freezing communications with Qatar, but senior Egyptian intelligence officials moved yesterday to prevent such a step.

On the other hand, an Israeli official told the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation today that “the talks in the Qatari capital Doha regarding a Gaza truce were positive and we expect difficult, complex, and long negotiations.”

The corporation reported that Mossad chief David Barnea held talks with mediators in Doha and returned to Israel for consultations.

“Israel Hayom” newspaper quoted an Israeli official yesterday as saying that talks will be held for two weeks at most, for several reasons including disagreements between the two parties and difficulties in communicating with Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, noting that exchanging messages with Sinwar can continue for up to 36 hours because he is hidden in one of the tunnels, but he is still considered the final decision-maker.