Qatar 'cautiously optimistic' as Gaza truce talks progress

Negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release are progressing in Doha, says Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari.

The bloodiest ever Gaza war broke out after Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Militants also seized about 250 hostages, of whom Israel believes 130 remain in Gaza, including 33 who are presumed dead.

Israel has responded with a relentless offensive that Gaza's health ministry says has killed at least 31,800 people.